Mathematics and crises

Area of Science:

• Interdisciplinary studies
• Mathematical modeling
• Crisis theory

Background:

• Mathematical models are often used to represent critical situations, such as pandemics.
• Mathematics can be an intrinsic component in the dynamics of crises, as seen in economic downturns.
• The application of mathematical frameworks can influence crisis management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the multifaceted relationships between mathematics and crises.
• To analyze how mathematical representations and applications impact crisis dynamics and responses.
• To examine the political dimensions of crisis discourse involving mathematics.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of the roles of mathematics in crises.
• Case study illustrations: pandemics, 2008 economic crisis, climate change.
• Discourse analysis of the politics of crises involving mathematical frameworks.

Main Results:

• Identified three key relationships: mathematics picturing, constituting, and formatting crises.
• Demonstrated how mathematical modeling can represent crises (e.g., pandemics).
• Highlighted mathematics' role in crisis dynamics (e.g., 2008 economic crisis) and response formatting (e.g., climate change).

Conclusions:

• Mathematics plays a complex role in crises, extending beyond mere representation.
• The way mathematics is used can significantly shape crisis outcomes, potentially leading to counterproductive or catastrophic results.
• The discourse surrounding crises, particularly when involving mathematics, has political implications and power dynamics that require critical examination.