Logo 知识与财富的链接
Bookkeeping or Metaphysics? The Units of Selection Debate

Bookkeeping or Metaphysics? The Units of Selection Debate

ISSN:0039-7857
2004年第138卷第3期

The Units of Selection debate is a dispute about the causes of population change. I argue that it is generated by a particular `dynamical' interpretation of natural selection theory, according to which natural selection causes differential survival and reproduction of individuals and natural selection explanations cite these causes. I argue that the dynamical interpretation is mistaken and offer in outline an alternative, `statistical' interpretation, according to which natural selection theory is a fancy kind of `bookkeeping'. It explains by citing the statistical structure of a population and not by citing the causes of survival and reproduction. From the perspective of the statistical interpretation there is no substantive Units of Selection issue.

关键词:
Key words:
认领
收 藏
点 赞
认领进度
0 %

发表评论

ISSN:0039-7857
2004年第138卷第3期

用户信息设置