Abstract: We describe a local to global method by cutting a manifold into simpler pieces in a "contractible spaces of choices". In doing so, we give a simpler approach to Thurston's theorem on homeomorphisms, Cerf's theorem on comparing diffeomorphisms and homeomorphisms of three manifolds. If time permits I will describe how this approach could possibly give a different proof of Smale's conjecture (Gabai's theorem) for hyperbolic 3 manifold M which says that the group Isom(M) is homotopy equivalent to Diff(M).
To add/edit talks, please log in on the department web page, then return to Announce. Alternatively if you know the Announce
username/password, click the link below: