nLab
Heyting category

Context

Topos Theory

Contents

Definition

A Heyting category is a coherent category in which each base change functor f *:Sub(Y)Sub(X) has a right adjoint f (in addition to the left adjoint that exists in any regular category). It follows that each Sub(X) is a Heyting algebra and the base-change functors f * are Heyting algebra homomorphisms. Any Heyting category has an internal logic which is full (typed) first-order intuitionistic logic.

A Heyting functor is a coherent functor betwen Heyting categories which additionally preserves the right adjoints f. Such functors also preserve the internal interpretation of first-order logic.

Examples

Any topos, and in fact any well-powered infinitary coherent category, is a Heyting category. Any Boolean category is also a Heyting category.