Dynamics of myths: a catastrophe theoretical reading of Lévi-Strauss
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.1980-4016.esse.2023.209348Keywords:
Lévi-Strauss, Myths, Catastrophes, Canonical formula, René ThomAbstract
Our “re-analysis” of the mythological work of Lévi-Strauss starts from catastrophe theoretical semantics according to René Thom. It gives a summary of the central results of Lévi-Strauss and highlights their dynamic aspects, such as the genesis of myths, their transformation, and distribution. A central topic in the structural anthropology of Lévi-Strauss concerns the transition between the continuous and the discrete in human categorization; this is also at the heart of catastrophe theory (TC). The article focuses on the canonical formula of myth according to Lévi-Strauss. It discusses the formal means used by Lévi-Strauss and seeks an interpretation within the framework of adequate mathematical formalisms. The reconstruction of the formula follows three pathways and considers earlier reconstructions (e.g. the publications of Jean Petitot on the topic). Finally, the article discusses the consequences of this rereading for catastrophe theoretical semantics and semiotics of myths and religions.
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