Ren{\'e} Thom: From mathematics to philosophy

TL;DR

This paper explores Ren{é} Thom's philosophical approach rooted in his mathematical background, examining his connections with historical figures, critique of modern science, and influence on mathematical education.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive analysis of Thom's interdisciplinary ideas linking mathematics, philosophy, and history, highlighting his unique perspective within the French mathematical community.

Findings

Thom's approach integrates mathematical concepts with philosophical inquiry.

He criticizes the predictive view of modern science.

His ideas connect with Leibniz, Riemann, and Freud.

Abstract

I discuss Ren{\'e} Thom's approach to philosophy based on his mathematical background. At the same time, I will highlight his connection with Aristotle, his criticism of the modern view of science as a predictive process, his ideas on mathematical education, his position with respect to the French school of mathematics that was dominent in his time and his relationship with the philosophical community. I will also touch upon the connections between Thom's ideas and those of Leibniz, Riemann, Freud and others. The last version of this paper will appear as a chapter in the book Handbook of the History and Philosophy of Mathematical Practice (ed. Bharath Sriraman), Springer.