Lusternik-Schnirelmann category of simplicial complexes and finite spaces (Q500915)

A simplicial version of Lusternik-Schnirelmann category is introduced and analysed, which turns out to be invariant under what is called strong collapses ([\textit{J. A. Barmak} and \textit{E. G. Minian}, Discrete Comput. Geom. 47, No. 2, 301--328 (2012; Zbl 1242.57019)]). Namely, the simplicial LS-category of a simplicial complex \(K\) is defined as the least integer \(m\geq 0,\) such that \(K\) can be covered by \(m+1\) categorical subcomplexes. By a categorical subcomplex the authors mean a subcomplex \(U\) for which there exists a vertex \(v\in K\) satisfying that the inclusion \(U\hookrightarrow K\) and the constant map \(c_v:U\rightarrow K\) are in the same contiguity class. Similarly, a simplicial version of geometric category is naturally introduced by considering covers by strongly collapsible subcomplexes. As in the classical case, this is an upper bound of the simplicial LS category. Moreover, it is proved that simplicial geometric category increases under strong collapses. The authors also analyse both classical LS-category and geometric category of \(T_0\)-finite spaces (or finite posets). It is shown that the greatest geometric category of all spaces having the usual homotopy type of a finite space \(X\) is attained in the so called core of \(X\) ([\textit{R. E. Stong}, Trans. Am. Math. Soc. 123, 325--340 (1966; Zbl 0151.29502)]). Finally, considering the order complex and the face poset functors which relates finite simplicial complexes and \(T_0\)-finite spaces, the authors give a comparison between classical and simplicial LS category (respect., classical and simplicial geometric category).