Order and disorder in algebraic combinatorics (Q1190772)

In the paper under review the author develops some ideas about intercommunications and distinctions between combinatorics and algebra, considering as examples two problems from combinatorics and algebra respectively. His considerations are summarized in the following three main principles: 1. Algebra and Combinatorics are fundamentally different in nature. This improves their compatibility because the strengths of one area match the weaknesses of the other. 2. The interplay between Algebra and Combinatorics is a crucial ingredient in computational methods used by algebraists and combinatorialists. 3. Algebraic Combinatorics can reveal connections between seemingly unrelated problems in Algebra and Combinatorics.