Algebraic Models for Homotopy Types

Abstract

The classical problem of algebraic models for homotopy types is precisely stated, to our knowledge for the first time. Two different natural statements for this problem are produced, the simplest one being entirely solved by the notion of SSEH-structure, due to the authors. Other tentative solutions, Postnikov towers and E_\infty-chain complexes, are considered and compared with the SSEH-structures. In particular, which looks at least like an unfortunate imprecision in the usual definition of the k-``invariants'' is explained, which implies we seem far from a solution for the ideal statement of our problem. At the positive side, the problem of the computability of the Postnikov towers is solved.