Pro-group actions and fundamental pro-groups (Q757575)

An outsider contemplating this highly technical paper might begin by recalling the author's convincing solution of the problem of defining ``universal covering space'' in maximum generality [Ill. J. Math. 12, 353-365 (1968; Zbl 0155.314)]. Now he is engaged with defining in maximum generality \(``\pi_ 1''\) of a topos. In J. Pure Appl. Algebra 30, 23-38 (1983; Zbl 0517.18007) he defined a group \(\pi_ 1\); but there are compelling reasons for admitting a fundamental pro-group. The notion of pro-group is clear and stable, see \textit{M. Artin} and \textit{B. Mazur}, Etale homotopy (Lect. Notes Math. 100) (1969; Zbl 0182.260). What needs definition is actions of (general) pro-groups on sets. The paper gives the definition and basic theory, the primary application: fundamental pro-group of a pointed topos, and ten pages of instructive examples. Anyone interested in the topic must read this paper.