Image for The Catastrophe Map (in context of Thomas' work)

The Catastrophe Map (in context of Thomas' work)

The Catastrophe Map, in Thomas' work, is a visual tool used in catastrophe theory to illustrate how small changes in certain parameters can lead to sudden, large shifts in a system's behavior. It depicts different "states" or outcomes and shows where the system might abruptly jump from one to another due to instabilities. Think of it as a map highlighting critical points where stability is lost, helping us understand and predict abrupt transitions in complex systems like ecosystems, economies, or psychological states.