Talk:*-algebra

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Don't you think it's just a bit too redundant to list the same definitions in * algebra, B* algebra and C* algebra? Phys

I agree, but how do you suggest removing the redundancy? I created the page *-algebra because I needed it for the Stone-Weierstrass theorem and character (mathematics). At least the page on C* algebras should contain the whole definition because this is the concept with the best-developed theory. Then, it would be just wrong to say "a *-algebra is just like a C*-algebra, but without a norm". Now that you mention it, we also need a page about W*-algebras, but luckily those are defined in terms of C*-algebras, so there will be no redundancy there. If any page should be removed, I think it's B*-algebras, which by all reckoning are not studied much any more. I say let's leave it as it is. Redundancy is one of the strengths of natural language, not a weakness. -- Miguel