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Claims and accomplishments of applied catastrophe theory

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Abstract

Several representative attempts to apply catastrophe theory to biological and social science problems turn out on close analysis to be characterised by incorrect reasoning, far-fetched assumptions, erroneous consequences, and exaggerated claims. Catastrophe theory seems to have made no significant contributions to biology and the social sciences, and to have no advantage over other better-established mathematical tools which have been used to better effect.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. 104 Hubinger Street, New Haven, Connecticut, 06511

    Raphael S. Zahler

  2. Department of Mathematics, Butgers College, Hill Centre for the Mathematical Sciences, Busch Campus, New Brunswich, New Jersey, 08903

    Hector J. Sussmann

Authors
  1. Raphael S. Zahler
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  2. Hector J. Sussmann
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Zahler, R., Sussmann, H. Claims and accomplishments of applied catastrophe theory. Nature 269, 759–763 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1038/269759a0

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