On primitive representations of finite alternating and symmetric groups with a \(2\)-transitive subconstituent (Q1911785)

Let \(G\) be a primitive permutation group on a finite set \(\Omega\) having a 2-transitive subconstituent \(G^{\Delta(\alpha)}_\alpha\) where \(\alpha\in\Omega\). By a theorem of the first author either \(G\) has a regular normal subgroup or \(G\) is almost simple. In this paper the almost simple case is studied under the assumption that the socle of \(G\) is isomorphic to an alternating group \(A_n\) where \(n\geq 5\). The main theorem of the paper shows that four explicitly known cases occur or that \(G_\alpha\) is almost simple (hence primitive on \(n\) letters) acting faithfully on \(\Delta(\alpha)\). Since all 2-transitive permutation groups are known, the classification in this last case can be completed provided all maximal subgroups of \(G_\alpha\) are known explicitly. The proof depends on the classification of finite simple groups and their maximal subgroups.