Functorial Approach to Graph and Hypergraph Theory

Abstract: We provide a new approach to categorical graph and hypergraph theory by using categorical syntax and semantics. For each monoid $M$ and action on a set $X$, there is an associated presheaf topos of $(X,M)$-graphs where each object can be interpreted as a generalized uniform hypergraph where each edge has cardinality $#X$ incident vertices (including multiplicity) and where the monoid informs what type of cohesivity the edges possess. One distinguishing feature of $(X,M)$-graphs is the presence of unfixed edges. We prove that unfixed edges are a necessary feature of a category of graphs or uniform hypergraphs if one wants exponentials and effective equivalence relations to exist in the category. The main advantage of separating syntax (the $(X,M)$-graph theories) from semantics (the categories of $(X,M)$-graphs) is the ability to interpret the theory in any cocomplete category. This interpetation functor then yields a nerve-realization adjunction and allows us to transfer structure between the category of $(X,M)$-graphs and the receptive cocomplete category.