\(K_2\) of a ring via the \(G\)-construction (Q2576456)

The algebraic \(K\)-theory groups \(K_m(R)\) of a ring \(R\) can be constructed as homotopy groups \(\pi_m(G(R))\), where \(G(R)\) is the \(G\)-construction of Gillet and Grayson. The second algebraic \(K\)-theory group \(K_2(R)\) can also be constructed as the kernel of a homomorphism \(\text{St}(R)\to GL(R)\), where \(\text{St}(R)\) is the Steinberg group and \(GL(R)\) is the infinite general linear group. The Steinberg group is generated by the Steinberg symbols, and to each Steinberg symbol the author associates a contracting homotopy for a loop in \(G(R)\). In this way he obtains an explicit isomorphism from \(\ker[\text{St}(R)\to GL(R)]\) to \(\pi_2(G(R))\).