Finitistic dimensions of Noetherian rings (Q1188144)

Let \(R\) be a ring and let \(pd(_ R M)\) [resp. \(pd(M_ R)\)] denote the projective dimension of the left [resp. right] \(R\)-module \(M\). The left finitistic dimensions of \(R\) are defined as follows: \(\ell FPD(R)=\sup\{pd(_ R M)\): \(pd(_ R M)<\infty\}\), and \(\ell fDP(R)=\sup\{pd(_ R M)\): \(pd(_ R M)<\infty\), \(_ R M\) finitely generated\}. Similar definitions are made on the right. These concepts were introduced and studied by H. Bass in a series of papers in the early sixties. For a Noetherian ring \(R\) of finite global dimension these definitions (both right and left) coincide, and equal the global and injective dimensions, but when the global dimension is infinite they can provide useful homological invariants with which to study \(R\). The paper under review provides a compendium of results, examples and counterexamples concerning the finitistic dimensions of a Noetherian ring \(R\). Amongst the many topics covered are localization, attachment of an indeterminate, idealizers, pullbacks and (for \(R\) semiprime \(PI\)) relation to Krull dimension.