Group configurations and germs in simple theories (Q4451734)

The paper under review deals with the question of generalizing the group configuration theorem from stable to simple theories. In the stable framework, this theorem essentially says that, whenever a dependence/independence situation arises, then there is some nontrivial group behind it; the key steps of the proof are: (1) first to obtain a generic group chunk whose elements are germs of generic functions and whose product is the composition, (2) then, to apply the Weil-Hrushovski generic group chunk theorem. A previous result of Frank Wagner shows how to generalize Step 2 in the simple setting. So, it remains to extend Step 1. This paper is just concerned with the aim of developing a nice theory of germs of generic functions in simple theories. The proof in the stable case heavily uses some tools (like stationarity of strong types) which are not available any longer in the simple setting. Anyhow, the author obtains a partial answer, producing from an algebraic quadrangle (and other similar hypotheses) a generic \textsl{poly-group} chunk, meaning a generic group chunk where the product is defined up to a bounded set of possible values. Incidentally, (1) was completely solved in a subsequent paper of the author, \textit{F. Wagner} and \textit{I. Tomašić} [Bull. Symb. Log. 8, No. 2, 283--298 (2002; Zbl 1060.03051)], using almost hyperimaginaries and turning a generic poly-group chunk into a group. But, as the author observes, his result here is in some sense the best possible one when almost hyperimaginaries are not involved. The paper includes a clear introduction, discussing the whole question, describing in detail the difficulties arising when passing from stable to simple theories and explaining by which ideas to tackle them.