Algebras of higher operads as enriched categories (Q633792)

This paper develops machinery for defining coherence in higher category theory. Globular operads [\textit{M. A. Batanin}, Adv. Math. 136, No.~1, 39--103 (1998; Zbl 0912.18006)] were developed as a natural home for weak higher categorical structures. On the other hand, there is also an inductive approach that views weak (\(n+1\))-categories as those enriched in weak \(n\)-categories. The results presented in this paper connect these two approaches. The authors use the notion of a multitensor, a generalization of a (non-symmetric) operad. They develop this idea and show that starting with a multitensor, under some hypotheses there is a monad whose algebras are the algebras of the multitensor. They then apply this to the monad \(T\) on the category of globular sets whose algebras are strict \(\omega\)-categories, and use this idea to express \(T\)-operad algebras as enriched categories, thus clarifying the inductive nature of the globular operad approach. They finish by showing that the algebras for the monad are the same as strict \(\omega\)-categories defined in the usual way by successive enrichments.