Nanay, Bence (2004) Can Cumulative Selection Explain Adaptation? In: [2004] Philosophy of Science Assoc. 19th Biennial Meeting - PSA2004: Contributed Papers (Austin, TX; 2004) > PSA 2004 Contributed Papers. (In Press)

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Abstract

Two strong arguments have been given in favour of the claim that no selection process whatever can play a role in explaining adaptations. According to the first one, selection is a negative force; it never creates, only destroys, hence it cannot play a role in explaining adaptation. The second argument claims that selection cannot play a role in explaining adaptation, since the explanandum and the explanans are phenomena at different levels: selection is a population-level phenomenon, whereas adaptation occurs on the individual level. After pointing out that both arguments ignore the significance of the limitation of environmental resources, I will construe a positive argument for the claim that cumulative selection processes can play a role in explaining adaptations.

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• Can Cumulative Selection Explain Adaptation? (deposited 26 Aug 2004)[Currently Displayed]
  • Can Cumulative Selection Explain Adaptation? (deposited 07 Nov 2005)

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