The dimension theorem in axiomatic geometry (Q1912228)

Given a nonnegative integer \(n\) the authors call a matroid \(M\) with rank function \(r\) to be of degree \(n\) iff (*) \(r(E \wedge F) \geq n\) implies \(r(E \vee F) + r(E \wedge F) = r(E) + r(F)\) for arbitrary subspaces \(E\), \(F\) of \(M\). The authors' main theorem gives 11 conditions equivalent to (*). Among others there is the following: For any subspace \(G\) of \(M\) with \(r(G) \geq n\) the sublattice \([G,1]\) of the lattice of subspaces of \(M\) is modular. Numerous examples of geometries (= simple matroids) illustrate the notion: For \(n = 0\) (*) characterizes the (possibly reductive) projective geometries. For \(n = 1\) the affine and the hyperbolic geometries are singled out by (*) and the corresponding parallel axioms. The case \(n = 2\) comprises the Möbius geometries. The incidence geometries of grade \(n\) of \textit{R. Wille} [cf. `Kongruenzklassengeometrien', Springer, Berlin (1970; Zbl 0191.51403)] occur in the general case. Furthermore, extending results from the authors [Geom. Dedicata 47, No. 1, 25-40 (1993; Zbl 0784.51003)] subgeometries and quotient geometries are treated. The quotient of a degree \(n\) geometry by a subspace of rank \(m\) is of degree \(n - m\) if \(m \leq n\), a projective geometry otherwise.