The Structure and Confirmation of Evolutionary Theory

by Elisabet Lloyd

Overview

Evolutionary theory has long been debated, not only on religious grounds, but in terms of its usefulness as a scientific model. A common objection is that the theory does not fit the hypothetical-deductive standard used in the physical sciences and is therefore not good science. In this study, Lloyd contends with the scientific and philosophical critics of evolutionary theory. Employing the same type of semantic analysis that has been applied to physical theory, she offers an alternative view of evolutionary theory that shows biological and physical theories to be structurally similar.

The author begins by reviewing recent debates concerning the existence or non-existence of evolutionary laws and the possibility of axiomizing evolutionary theory. The central discussion of Lloyd's work revolves around several problems that have not been resolved by other methods. These are, first, the problem of which units or entities are selected in nature; second, the problem of reductionism in genetics; and third, the problem of confirmation. Developing a view of evolutionary theory based on mathematical models, she uses this framework to describe a wide variety of evolutionary subtheories. She tests her analysis by comparing it with other approaches and applying it to problematic cases. Finally, she presents a view of confirmation appropriate to a model-oriented conception of theories. This original study explores some significant connections between science and philosophy and adds to our understanding of the nature of scientific knowledge.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780313255632
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	12/14/1988
Series:	Contributions in Philosophy , #37
Pages:	243
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.62(d)

About the Author

ELISABETH A. LLOYD is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Philosophy at the University of California, Berkeley.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Other Descriptions of the Structure of Evolutionary Theory
The Semantic Approach and Evolutionary Theory
The Structure of Population Genetics
Structured Populations: Group, Kin and Organismic Selection Models
The Units of Selection
Species Selection
Genic Selection
Confirmation of Evolutionary Models

Editorial Reviews

Reviews recent debates concerning the existence or non-existence of evolutionary "laws" and the possibility of axiomizing evolutionary theory. Describes a wide variety of evolutionary subtheories and presents a view of confirmation appropriate to a model-oriented conception of theories. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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