[Koshkin]

> categories, used as a unifying theme in the presentation of the main topics

Categories are not a good way to be introduced to the "main topics" of abstract algebra. Yes, Category Theory can be seen as the "Chapter 0" of a course on abstract algebra, but for beginners a traditional presentation based on sets would be much easier to digest.

There is a similarity between using categories and using functional programming style or a language - as opposed to using an approach to mathematics based on sets and using the imperative programming style or a language: the latter is just more intuitive and therefore easier to learn for a beginner.

[j2kun]

> for beginners a traditional presentation based on sets would be much easier to digest.

If you read the referenced book, you'd know the author does exactly this.

[maxiepoo]

Do you have experience teaching both or are you just speculating?