Higher-dimensional algebra. III: \(n\)-categories and the algebra of opetopes (Q1267982)

[For Part I, see \textit{J. C. Baez} and \textit{M. Neuchl}, Adv. Math. 121, No. 2, 196--244 (1996; Zbl 0855.18008); for Part II, see \textit{J. C. Baez}, Adv. Math. 127, No. 2, 125--189 (1997; Zbl 0896.18001).] Several methods have been proposed for defining weak \(n\)-categories; this paper gives a definition based on operads. An operad consists of a collection of types, a collection of operations between them, and a collection of reduction laws relating the operations; for example, there is an initial operad \(I\) consisting of one type and one operation (the identity). Given an operad \(O\), the authors construct a `slice operad' \(O^+\) whose types are the operations of \(O\) and whose operations are the reduction laws of \(O\). This idea gives a formalism for dealing with coherence. By iterating the construction they obtain an operad \(O^{n+}\) whose types are called \(n\)-dimensional \(O\)-opetopes. These \(O\)-opetopes are analogous to simplexes, and there are \(O\)-opetopic sets analogous to simplicial sets. An \(n\)-coherent \(O\)-algebra is an \(O\)-opetopic set satisfying certain axioms (which depend on \(n\)); in particular a weak \(n\)-category is an \(n\)-coherent \(I\)-algebra, where \(I\) is the initial operad.