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Population thinking and natural selection in dual-inheritance theory
1Philosophy & Ethics, School of Innovation Sciences, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
Biology & Philosophy
|April 24, 2012
Summary
Dual-inheritance theory, a framework for cultural evolution, is re-examined. This paper argues for an adaptationist view, proposing two selection processes for enhanced explanatory power in cultural change.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Anthropology
- Cultural Evolution Studies
- Theoretical Biology
Background:
- Recent 'pop-culture' analyses interpret dual-inheritance theory as population thinking without natural selection of cultural items.
- This perspective, proposed by Lewens, has been influential in understanding cultural phenomena.
- However, this paper challenges the adequacy of this deflationary view.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critique the 'pop-culture' analysis of dual-inheritance theory.
- To propose an alternative, adaptationist interpretation of dual-inheritance theory.
- To explore avenues for enhancing the explanatory power of dual-inheritance theory in cultural evolution.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of recent dual-inheritance models focusing on cultural change patterns.
- Critique of the explanatory value of models exemplifying population thinking without cultural item selection.
- Interpretation of motivational narratives within dual-inheritance theory as an adaptationist project.
Main Results:
- Dual-inheritance models can exemplify population thinking without direct natural selection on cultural items.
- Doubts exist regarding the added explanatory value of current models in their disciplinary context.
- An adaptationist interpretation of dual-inheritance theory, involving two interrelated selection processes, is developed.
Conclusions:
- The 'pop-culture' analysis of dual-inheritance theory is insufficient.
- Dual-inheritance theory can be framed as an adaptationist project with dual selection processes.
- Further modeling is needed to enhance the explanatory scope of dual-inheritance theory for cumulative cultural change.
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