An alternative proof and applications of a theorem of E. G. Effros (Q580768)

The author gives an alternative proof, topological in nature, of a theorem of E. G. Effros. It is shown that if a separable complete metric group G acts transitively on a metric space X, then the following are equivalent: X has a complete metric, G acts micro-transitively on X, X is of the second category. This theorem is related back to the open mapping theorem of functional analysis and hence is called the open mapping principle (name and independent discovery are due to H. Torunczyk). The concept of micro-homogeneity for a space is introduced. The open mapping principle is used to determine when micro-homogeneity is equivalent to homogeneity of a space. Related questions are posed.