APPLICATIONS OF CATASTROPHE THEORY IN THE BEHAVIORAL AND LIFE SCIENCES Loren Cobb and Rammohan K. Ragade, Guest Editors

PREFACE

The suitability of catastrophe theory as a source of models and theories for the behavioral and life sciences has been the subject of considerable controversy in recent years. The insights, principles, and even the language of differential topology, from which catastrophe theory sprang, are foreign to most scientists, and so the process of assimilation must necessarily be slow and difficult. Fortunately, the controversy has led to a major interdis- ciplinary and international effort to bring about a more orderly and pains- taking development of meaningful applications. The substantive articles in this special issue represent a selection of the first fruits of this effort at levels ranging from the macromolecular (Benham & Kozak) to the supranational (Balasko) and with approaches ranging from the topological (Poston & Stewart) to the stochastic (Cobb). Readers new to catastrophe theory may find Fararo’s lead article to be a gentle introduction to the central concept of structural stability. The critique (Sussmann & Zahler), the history (Wood- cock), and the review essay (Berlinski) are intended to provide the additional perspectives necessary to appreciate the diversity of positions from which catastrophe theory may be seen.

We hope that the experience of reading this issue will be as stimulating as was our experience in editing it. We wish to give a special vote of thanks to B. G. Ash for her cooperation and assistance.