A Categorical-Generative Theory of Social Processes

Abstract

This paper proposes a mathematical model and a social research methodology to describe the dynamics of flows of action events that evolve conditioned by a specific set of structures and contextual conditions such as complex, dynamic and contingent social phenomena. Thus, a discrete rule-based model for patterns of sequences of action events deduced from Generative Grammar Theory and Category Theory depicts prior theoretical propositions and identifies causal relationships in empirical evidence. Regarding the ontological and the epistemological assumptions of Critical Realism, three classes of data analysis procedures build up this social process model. First, a deductive method of Classification Analysis creates the classifiers for each type of event, including the surprising fact and its hypothesized contextual conditions. Second, an inductive method of Configuration Analysis identifies the combinatorial patterns of contextual conditions related to each alternative event outcome in the system states. Lastly, an abductive method of Sequence Analysis reconciles unanticipated divergences between the structured empirical evidence and the rule-like theoretical propositions, with the objective of suggesting modifications to the starting grammar model by means of the best explanation for the surprising fact.