Lusternik-Schnirelmann category of simplicial complexes and finite spaces

In this paper we establish a natural definition of Lusternik-Schnirelmann category for simplicial complexes via the well known notion of contiguity. This category has the property of being homotopy invariant under strong equivalences, and only depends on the simplicial structure rather than its geometric realization. In a similar way to the classical case, we also develop a notion of geometric category for simplicial complexes. We prove that the maximum value over the homotopy class of a given complex is attained in the core of the complex. Finally, by means of well known relations between simplicial complexes and posets, specific new results for the topological notion of category are obtained in the setting of finite topological spaces.Comment: 18 pages, 10 figures, this is a new version with some minor changes and a new exampl

An elementary illustrated introduction to simplicial sets

This is an expository introduction to simplicial sets and simplicial homotopy theory with particular focus on relating the combinatorial aspects of the theory to their geometric/topological origins. It is intended to be accessible to students familiar with just the fundamentals of algebraic topology.Comment: 57 pages, 32 figures. Further corrections and additions. Section 2 has been reorganized with new material added. Section 5.1 on Simplicial Hom added. Hopefully final version. 10/3/16-Added errata section at end and made minor correction