Abduction (kinesiology)
Abductive reasoning
In response to Erik's question about the ultimate success or failure of Deleuze and Guatarri's project within the university as well as society at large, I made reference to the the work of fate of René Thom, in particular his catastrophe theory. Here's the entire quotation of Thom's for which I was searching last night.
"Sociologically speaking, it can be said that this theory is a shipwreck. But in some sense, it is a subtle wreck, because the ideas that I have introduced gained ground. In fact, they are now incorporated in everyday language. . . . The notions of [catastrophe theory] have become part of the ordinary baggage of modelers. Therefore, it is true that, in a sense, the ambitions of the theory failed, but in practice, the theory has succeeded."I believe the same can be said of the work of Deleuze and Guatarri. Nomadology never achieved its authors' ambition of a general cultural revolution, before being reterritorialized back into the institutional body from which they sought emancipation. Nevertheless, the variety of terms and concepts introduced by D&G, along with an at least provisional reorientation of critical outlook, have found their way into general scholarly practice, and perhaps as a result have made the institution a more highly articulated and agile body.
The Swallow's Tail — Series on Catastrophes
Salvador Dalí, 1983
Oil on canvas
73 × 92.2 cm, 28.74 × 36.30 in
Dalí Theatre and Museum, Figuere
This was the final painting created by Dalí, the last piece in a series based on René Thom's catastrophe theory (click for more info). Below is another painting in the same series.
Topological Abduction Of Europe - Homage To René Thom, 1983
