From torsion theories to closure operators and factorization systems

Abstract

Torsion theories are here extended to categories equipped with an ideal of 'null morphisms', or equivalently a full subcategory of 'null objects'. Instances of this extension include closure operators viewed as generalised torsion theories in a 'category of pairs', and factorization systems viewed as torsion theories in a category of morphisms. The first point has essentially been treated in [15].