Document Type
Presentation
Publication Date
3-24-1978
Subjects
Catastrophes (Mathematics), Dialectical materialism, System theory -- Social aspects, Metaphysics, Philosophy
Abstract
In the newly developed Catastrophe Theory of Rene Thorn and E.C. Zeeman, it is possible to find mathematical interpretation of certain aspects of Hegelian and Marxist dialectics. Specifically, the three "classical" dialectical principles, (1) the transformation of quantity into quality, ( 2) the mutual interpenetration(or - the unity and struggle) of opposites, and (3) the negation of the negation, can be modeled using the seven "elementary catastrophe " given by Thom , especially the catastrophe known as the "cusp." Far from being an empty metaphysics or scholasticism, as critics have argued , these principles embody genuine insights into a class of phenomena, insights which can be given a precise algebraic and geometric representation.
Keywords: catastrophe theory, elementary catastrophes, Rene Thom, E.C. Zeeman, dialectical laws, Hegel, Marx, Engels, cusp catastrophe, transformation of quantity into quality, unity and struggle of opposites, negation of the negation
Rights
© The Author
Persistent Identifier
https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/42816
Citation Details
Martin Zwick (1978). "Dialectical Laws and Elementary Catastrophes." American Philosophical Association (Pacific Division) meeting, San Francisco, March 23-25.
Included in
Metaphysics Commons, Philosophy of Science Commons, Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons, Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons
Description
Paper presented at the Pacific Division meeting of the American Philosophical Association, San Francisco, March 23- 25, 1978
In the program of this conference, the title of this paper was mistakenly given as "Dialectical Laws and Elementary Particles."