Catastrophe Theory: A Preliminary Critical Study

Abstract
The purpose of this work Is to present a sketchy description of Catastrophe Theory (CT), as well as a critical analysts of some of Its alleged applications. Our paper must not be regarded as a complete study of all the uses of the theory, since only some of them will be discussed. The choice of what to Include has been made by taking Into account limitations of space, the author's fields of expertise, and his philosophical biases. Because of the author's biases - his “neo-posftivist, Popperian” view of science - it was decided not to include an analysis of the applied work of Rene Thorn, except for one example which is only used for Illustrative purposes. Because of the author's Interest In the uses of Mathematics In the social sciences, only the applications to political science, sociology and economics will be studied here.

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