A catastrophe is an event of great magnitude that is accompanied by devastating consequences. The term catastrophism is used in two different contexts. On the one hand, it is a scientific theory belonging to the field of geology and on the other hand it is a personal attitude.
The theory of catastrophism
In the 19th century, the French scientist Georges Cuvier argued that changes in nature occur as a result of some type of catastrophe, whether they are floods, glaciations, climatic changes or other transformations.
These natural phenomena of great impact generate consequences, such as the extinction of species, migrations, etc. This theory was based on scientific observations such as the comparison of fossil remains. At the same time, the theory of catastrophism was opposed to the Christian vision, since according to the Bible, great catastrophes are produced by divine intervention.
Based on the studies carried out by Cuvier, the geologists analyzed the earth's layers and considered that the catastrophic thesis was wrong, since the transformation processes that have occurred over time have been progressive and uniform. Therefore, catastrophism and uniformitarianism are two opposing theories that try to explain how geological transformations have occurred.
In other words, both theories explain how the history of the Earth has been.
In the 20th century, a new paradigm has developed, neocatastrophism. This new vision is a synthesis of the previous two, since it explains terrestrial evolution from the interaction between catastrophic phenomena and a uniform process of geological transformation.
A fatalistic attitude
If someone believes that everything is going to go wrong or considers that at any moment some tragic phenomenon could happen that endangers humanity, it can be said that that person is catastrophic. This type of idea has no rational basis, it is simply a way of understanding life. It could be said that catastrophe has a dose of fatalism and pessimism. In this sense, the vitalistic and optimistic individual is the antithesis of the catastrophist.
Finally, it should be noted that some religious groups and pseudoscientific currents affirm that in a more or less near future great catastrophes will occur that will change the course of humanity. The apocalyptic visions were very popular during the Middle Ages, especially during the Black Plague of 1348, since the death of millions of people was explained as a divine punishment and not as the logical consequence of a contagious disease.
Photo: Fotolia - Jurgen Falchle
