On the equational theory of \(C^*\)-algebras (Q1802260)

An equational theory is the theory of continuous functions \(D^ n\to D\), where \(D\) is the unit disc of the complex plane, and where \(n\) is an arbitrary cardinal number. More precisely, the \(n\)-ary operations of the theory are continuous functions, and the identities are laws satisfied by these functions. The paper describes the equational theory of the variety of unit balls of all \(C^*\)-algebras. The operations generated by this theory were found recently. The key to finding these operations was contained in Isbell's earlier description of five operations which generate the theory of continuous functions \(I^ n\to I\), where \(I\) is the unit interval. This paper discusses the problem of describing identities valid for the Isbell theory and its obvious extension of describing identities for the monadic theory of unital \(C^*\)-algebra, as well. In so doing the authors show that the Isbell theory and their own theory of \(C^*\)- algebras are natural by linking them with the equational theories of (involutive) Banach algebras.