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let S be a finite set with say n elements. Give it the discrete topology, Now what can we say about its fundamental group? Atleast can we determine the fundamental group of a set with two elements? Thanks

2 Answers 2

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Such a space is not path-connected, so you have to keep track of the basepoint. Each path-connected component is trivially contractible (it consists only of one point). The fundamental group is trivial for each component. You don't need the finiteness of $S$.

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    Yes, I missed out the fact that image of a connected domain is connected for a continuous map. Hence every loop in S should be a constant map. From which it turns out that the fundamental group is trivial. Thanks!2011-04-23
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You need to choose a base point both in $S^1$ and $S$. Since $S^1$ is connected, it must be mapped to this base point entirely. Hence there is only one base-point preserving loop in $S$, and thus the fundamental group is trivial. This applies to any set with the discrete topology, no matter if it is finite or not.

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    @Dinesh: Yes, provided you replace "homotopy" by "pointed homotopy".2011-04-29