Work

The Trials of Life: Natural Selection and Random Drift

Year: 2002

Type: article

Abstract: We distinguish dynamical and statistical interpretations of evolutionary theory. We argue that only the statistical interpretation preserves the presumed relation between natural selection and drift. On these grounds we claim that the dynamical conception of evolutionary theory as a theory of forces is mistaken. Selection and drift are not forces. Nor do selection and drift explanations appeal to the (sub-population-level) causes of population level change. Instead they explain by appeal to the statistical structure of populations. We briefly discuss the implications of the statistical interpretation of selection for various debates within the philosophy of biology—the ‘explananda of selection’ debate and the ‘units of selection’ debate.

Source: Philosophy of Science

DOI: 10.1086/342454

Authors: Denis M. Walsh, Tim Lewens, André Ariew

Institutions: University of Edinburgh, University of Cambridge, University of Rhode Island

Language: English

Topic: Philosophy and History of Science

Subfield: History and Philosophy of Science

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W2025946306

FWCI: 24.8

Cites: 43

Cited by: 275

Related to: 10