Michele, Luchetti (2021) Coordination in theory extension: How Reichenbach can help us understand endogenization in evolutionary biology. [Preprint]

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Abstract

Reichenbach’s early solution to the scientific problem of how abstract mathematical representations can successfully express real phenomena is rooted in his view of coordination. In this paper, I claim that a Reichenbach-inspired, ‘layered’ view of coordination provides us with an effective tool to systematically analyse some epistemic and conceptual intricacies resulting from a widespread theorising strategy in evolutionary biology, recently discussed by Okasha (2018) as ‘endogenization’. First, I argue that endogenization is a form of extension of natural selection theory that comprises three stages: quasi-axiomatisation, functional extension, and semantic extension. Then, I argue that the functional extension of one core principle of natural selection theory, namely, the principle of heritability, requires the semantic extension of the concept of inheritance. This is because the semantic extension of ‘inheritance’ is necessary to establish a novel form of coordination between the principle of heritability and the extended domain of phenomena that it is supposed to represent. Finally, I suggest that – despite the current lack of consensus on the right semantic extension of ‘inheritance’ – we can fruitfully understand the reconceptualization of ‘inheritance’ provided by niche construction theorists as the result of a novel form of coordination.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Michele, Luchetti mic.luchetti@gmail.com 0000-0003-2578-2232
Keywords:	Evolutionary biology Coordination Endogenization Theory extension Hans Reichenbach
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Biology > Evolutionary Theory General Issues > Logical Positivism/Logical Empiricism General Issues > Structure of Theories General Issues > Theory Change
Depositing User:	Dr. Michele Luchetti
Date Deposited:	03 Jun 2021 14:12
Last Modified:	03 Jun 2021 14:12
Item ID:	19078
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Biology > Evolutionary Theory General Issues > Logical Positivism/Logical Empiricism General Issues > Structure of Theories General Issues > Theory Change
Date:	June 2021
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/19078

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