Indeterminacy is inherent in an inadequate model of evolution, not in nature

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Douglas Wahlsten, Visiting Professor (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: Plotkin & Odling-Smee's (P&O's) critique of a "monolithic theory" of evolution espoused by prominent sociobiologists draws attention to the roles of learning, culture, and society in evolution. Insofar as it opposes the simple-minded genetic determinism so prevalent in this field, it shows a positive trend of thought, although it is somewhat surprising that the authors do not make reference to previous discussions of cultural transmission by Cavalli-Sforza and Feldman (1978) or by Rao et at (1976). However, P&O's paper has several shortcomings which make the alternative model they propose untenable.

Additional Information

Publication
Behavioral and Brain Sciences (1981), 4
Language: English
Date: 1981
Keywords
Evolution, Randomness, Indeterminate, Models

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