Victor Kac and Robert Moody: their paths to Kac-Moody Lie algebras. (Q697113): Difference between revisions

As the title suggests; this article tells the story of how Victor Kac and Robert Moody independently discovered the Lie algebras that bear their names. As backgound it begins with the results of the classification of the finite-dimensional simple Lie algebras over the complex numbers; outlining the methods used by Killing and Cartan and explaining the concept of Cartan matrix. Subsequent relevant developments continue the background information; which is then followed by accounts of Kac's and Moody's graduate studies and early careers as researchers. The authors conclude by giving an indication of the influence that Kac-Moody algebras have had in physics and mathematics.