The automorphism group of \({\mathcal P}(\omega)\)/fin need not be simple (Q909686)

An automorphism of \({\mathcal P}(\omega)/fin\) is trivial if it is induced by a one-one function from a cofinite subset of \(\omega\) onto another cofinite subset of \(\omega\). The collection T of trivial automorphisms of \({\mathcal P}(\omega)/fin\) is a subgroup of the group G of all automorphisms of it. The main result of this note is that T is not simple. By a result of Shelah, it is consistent to have \(T=G\), so a corollary is that it is consistent that G is not simple (a result of S. Koppelberg). All normal subgroups of T are described, and the problem of generalizing the results to higher cardinalities is considered.