Abstract:

The master function is a function associated to a simple Lie algebra and a collection of its finite dimensional representations. Master functions play an essential role in the theory of KZ equations, multidimensional hypergeometric functions, and the Bethe ansatz method. The applications of master functions suggest that the number of critical points of master functions and the types of critical points are dictated by representation theory of the Lie algebra. The talk is an introduction to this area of problems.