Independent generating sets and geometries for symmetric groups (Q1858296)

A subset \(S\) of a group is called independent, if each \(s\in S\) is not in the subgroup generated by \(S\setminus\{s\}\). According to \textit{J. Whiston} [J. Algebra 232, No. 1, 255-268 (2000; Zbl 0967.20001)], an independent subset \(S\) of the symmetric group \(S_n\) has cardinality at most \(n-1\), with equality if and only if \(S\) generates \(S_n\). The authors of the paper under review determine explicitly all independent subsets \(S\) of \(S_n\) of size \(n-1\): such a set \(S\) consists of the \(n-1\) transpositions determined by the edges of a tree with \(n\) vertices, or \(S\) consists of one transposition and of \(3\)-cycles and double transpositions. This result depends on the classification of all finite simple groups. Furthermore, the authors establish strong connections with coset geometries which are residually weakly primitive [compare \textit{F. Buekenhout} and \textit{P. Cara}, Bull. Belg. Math. Soc. - Simon Stevin 5, No. 2, 213-219 (1998; Zbl 0928.51009) and \textit{F. Buekenhout, P. Cara} and \textit{M. Dehon}, in: Mostly finite geometries, Lect. Notes Pure Appl. Math. 190, 185-190 (1997; Zbl 0889.51015)]. In particular, it is proved that for \(n\geq 7\), every coset geometry of rank \(n-1\) for \(S_n\) is residually weakly primitive.