We prove the norm identity parallel to Id+T parallel to=1+parallel to
T parallel to, which is known as the Daugavet equation, for weakly com
pact operators T on natural function spaces such as function algebras
and L(1)-predual spaces, provided a non-discreteness assumption is met
. We also consider c(0)-factorable operators and operators on C-Lambda
-spaces. (C) 1997 Academic Press