\(\mathbb{F}_{1}\) for everyone (Q1647766)

The article contains a very nice and lucidly written introduction to the various approaches and algebraic and geometrical concepts connected with the so-called ``field with one element'', denoted by \(\mathbb{F}_1\) (which, in the author's words, ``in most cases [...] is not a field and has two elements''). It is aimed at a general mathematical audience but assumes a basic background in algebraic geometry. After a short introduction in Section~1, Section~2 reports on the history, Section~3 on various approaches, and Section~4 on the impact of the topic. Problem areas guiding the reader through the article are the interplay between algebraic and combinatorial geometry (as envisioned by \textit{J. Tits} in [in: Centre Belge Rech. math., Colloque d'Algèbre supérieure, Bruxelles du 19 au 22 déc. 1956, 261--289 (1957; Zbl 0084.15902)]) and some of the efforts that went towards attempts for proving the Riemann hypothesis (in particular, trying to transfer the proof of the Hasse-Weil theorem from function fields to the case of \(\mathbb{Q}\)). Section~4 also discusses some relevant aspects of and recent developments in tropical geometry. The article is written in a conversational, yet stringent and clearly presented tone, and thus makes for great recreational reading, as well as serving as a overview of and introduction to both classical and more recent developments in the field.