Aim Quote by Rene Thom
“Catastrophe Theory is-quite likely-the first coherent attempt (since Aristotelian logic) to give a theory on analogy. When narrow-minded scientists object to Catastrophe Theory that it gives no more than analogies, or metaphors, they do not realise that they are stating the proper aim of Catastrophe Theory, which is to classify all possible types of analogous situations.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Catastrophe Theory by René Thom, 1972
The theory aims to systematically categorize all analogical situations, despite criticism that it only offers metaphors.
In simple terms: It classifies analogies, not just metaphors.
Key Takeaway
Study patterns of change.
Themes
science
philosophy
analogy
classification
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- research
- education
- problem solving
Key Concepts
systems theory
mathematics
complexity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do analogies help understanding?
- What limits does classification face?
A Different Perspective
Complex models may be hard to apply practically.
![“An announcement of [Christopher] Zeeman's lecture at Northwestern University in the spring of 1977 contains a quote describing catastrophe theory as the most important development in mathematics since the invention of calculus 300 years ago.” quote by Stephen Smale](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/42a/stephen-smale-152590_announcements_an-announcement-of-christopher-zeeman-s_2260453.jpg)
![“[Theory is] an explanation that has been confirmed to such a degree, by observation and experiment, that knowledgeable experts accept it as fact. That's what scientists mean when they talk about a theory: not a dreamy and unreliable speculation, but an explanatory statement that fits the evidence…” quote by David Quammen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e66/david-quammen-9256_accepting_theory-is-an-explanation-that-has-been-c_2604502.jpg)
![“He [an earnest young reporter] seemed to share the view of many intelligent, well-educated, well-meaning people that, while adult literature may aim to be art, the object of children's books is to whip the little rascals into shape.” quote by Katherine Paterson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2cf/katherine-paterson-2365_adults_he-an-earnest-young-reporter-seemed-to-s_6101.jpg)
![“I really enjoyed it - being involved in watching rushes and playback [in "The Invisible Woman"]. Ralph [Fiennes] was very open to my input, I think knowing that he couldn't always be there 100 percent, that he had dual aims with directing and acting.” quote by Felicity Jones](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/56e/felicity-jones-2070_acting_i-really-enjoyed-it-being-involved-in-wa_11933.jpg)
