Matthen, Mohan (2010) What Is Drift? A Response to Millstein, Skipper, and Dietrich. Philosophy and Theory in Biology, 2 (201306). pp. 1-6. ISSN 1949-0739

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Abstract

The statistical interpretation of the Theory of Natural Selection claims that natural selection and drift are statistical features of mathematical aggregates of individual-level events. Natural selection and drift are not themselves causes. The statistical interpretation is motivated by a metaphysical conception of individual priority. Recently, Millstein, Skipper, and Dietrich (2009) have argued (a) that natural selection and drift are physical processes, and (b) that the statistical interpretation rests on a misconception of the role of mathematics in biology. Both theses are contested.

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Item Type:	Published Article or Volume
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Matthen, Mohan mohan.matthen@utoronto.ca
Keywords:	drift, natural selection, statistical interpretation
Depositing User:	Users 15304 not found.
Date Deposited:	13 Jun 2014 16:51
Last Modified:	13 Jun 2014 16:51
Item ID:	10739
Journal or Publication Title:	Philosophy and Theory in Biology
Publisher:	Michigan Publishing, University of Michigan Library
Official URL:	http://dx.doi.org/10.3998/ptb.6959004.0002.002
DOI or Unique Handle:	10.3998/ptb.6959004.0002.002
Date:	May 2010
Page Range:	pp. 1-6
Volume:	2
Number:	201306
ISSN:	1949-0739
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/10739

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