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Scaffolds and Scaffolding: An explanatory strategy in evolutionary biology

Neto, Celso and Meynell, Letitia and Jones, Christopher (2023) Scaffolds and Scaffolding: An explanatory strategy in evolutionary biology. [Preprint]

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Abstract

In recent years, the explanatory term “scaffold” has been gaining prominence in evolutionary biology. This notion has a long history in other areas, in particular, developmental psychology. In this paper, we connect these two traditions and identify a specific type of explanatory strategy shared between them, namely scaffolding explanations. We offer a new definition of “scaffold” anchored in the explanatory practices of evolutionary biologists and developmental psychologists that has yet to be clearly articulated. We conclude by offering a systematic overview of the various dimensions of scaffolding explanations that further suggests both their usefulness and range of application.


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Item Type: Preprint
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Neto, CelsoC.Alves-Neto@exeter.ac.uk
Meynell, LetitiaLetitia.Meynell@dal.ca
Jones, Christophercjones2@dal.ca
Keywords: Scaffolds; scaffolding; development; evolutionary explanations; causality; multicellularity; evolutionary origins
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Biology > Evolutionary Theory
General Issues > Explanation
Depositing User: Dr. Letitia Meynell
Date Deposited: 02 Feb 2023 21:38
Last Modified: 02 Feb 2023 21:38
Item ID: 21710
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Biology > Evolutionary Theory
General Issues > Explanation
Date: 2023
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/21710

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