One setting for all: Metric, topology, uniformity, approach structure (Q1430170)

It is well known that monads over the category \({\mathcal S}et\) provide a common categorical description for not only the standard categories of algebras but also the category of compact Hausdorff spaces, whose equational description in terms of the operation assigning a point of convergence to each ultrafilter was given by \textit{E. G. Manes} [Lect. Notes Math. 80, 91--118 (1969; Zbl 0186.02901)]. By relaxing the operation to a relation and the equalities to inequalities, \textit{M. Barr} [Lect. Notes Math. 137, 39--55 (1970; Zbl 0204.33202)] has observed that the Eilenberg-Moore construction actually describes the category \({\mathcal T}op\) of all topological spaces in terms of two simple axioms on a convergence relation between ultrafilters and points. The principal objective in the paper under review is to show that, with one ingredient to Barr's presentation, one is able to describe metrics, topologies, uniformities and approach structures introduced by \textit{R. Lowen} [``Approach spaces'' (1997; Zbl 0891.54001)] from a uniform standpoint. The basic functors connecting them are described in general terms.