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Peter J. Freyd

b. 1936

American mathematician

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About Peter J. Freyd

Born 1936. Peter J. Freyd is an American mathematician, known for Allegory (category theory), HOMFLY polynomial and Mitchell's embedding theorem.

Peter John Freyd (; born February 5, 1936) is an American mathematician, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania, known for work in category theory and for founding the False Memory Syndrome Foundation.

Mathematics Freyd obtained his Ph.D. from Princeton University in 1960; his dissertation, on Functor Theory, was written under the supervision of Norman Steenrod and David Buchsbaum.

Freyd is best known for his adjoint functor theorem. He was the author of the foundational book Abelian Categories: An Introduction to the Theory of Functors (1964). This work culminates in a proof of the Freyd–Mitchell embedding theorem.

In addition, Freyd's name is associated with the HOMFLYPT polynomial of knot theory, and he and Andre Scedrov originated the concept of (mathematical) allegories.

In 2012, he became a fellow of the American Mathematical Society. Publications Reprinted with a forward as Peter J. Freyd and Andre Scedrov: Categories, Allegories. North-Holland (1999). .

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Nationality
Known for
Allegory (category theory), HOMFLY polynomial, Mitchell's embedding theorem
Education
Princeton University, University of Pennsylvania
Employers
University of Pennsylvania
Awards
Fellow of the American Mathematical Society
Also known as
Peter Freyd, Peter John Freyd

People in Peter J. Freyd's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Peter J. Freyd's

Frequently asked questions

Who is Peter J. Freyd?

American mathematician

When was Peter J. Freyd born?

Peter J. Freyd was born on 5 February 1936 in Evanston.

What is Peter J. Freyd's occupation?

Peter J. Freyd is a mathematician.

What is Peter J. Freyd known for?

Peter J. Freyd is known for Allegory (category theory), HOMFLY polynomial and Mitchell's embedding theorem.

What nationality is Peter J. Freyd?

Peter J. Freyd is American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Peter J. Freyd

· Wikidata: Q451614

· DBpedia: Peter J. Freyd

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Peter J. Freyd. https://biography.guide/peter-j-freyd/

MLA: "Peter J. Freyd." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/peter-j-freyd/.

Chicago: "Peter J. Freyd." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/peter-j-freyd/.

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