Abstract

In this chapter, I will discuss René 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 dominant 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.