Universal Clone Algebra

Abstract

We develop a new general framework for algebras and clones, called Universal Clone Algebra. Algebras and clones of finitary operations are to Universal Algebra what t-algebras and clone algebras are to Universal Clone Algebra. Clone algebras have been recently introduced to found a one-sorted, purely algebraic theory of clones, while t-algebras are first introduced in this article. We present a method to codify algebras and clones into t-algebras and clone algebras, respectively. We provide concrete examples showing that general results in Universal Clone Algebra, when translated in terms of algebras and clones, give more powerful versions of known theorems in Universal Algebra. We apply this methodology to Birkhoff's HSP theorem and to the recent topological versions of Birkhoff's theorem.