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Toward A New Evolutionary Synthesis
1University of Alabama at Birmingham, S. Birmingham, AL 35294-0013 USA.
Theoretical Biology Forum
|April 25, 2018
Summary
This essay argues that the extended evolutionary synthesis (EES) requires a complete overhaul, not just revision. It proposes a new evolutionary framework integrating organismic-systems biology and cosmic evolution for a non-reductionist approach.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Philosophy of Science
- Systems Theory
Background:
- Critiques of the neo-Darwinian paradigm and the extended evolutionary synthesis (EES).
- Identifies positivist assumptions within current evolutionary frameworks.
- Highlights limitations of merely revising or extending existing paradigms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a fundamental reevaluation of evolutionary theory.
- To introduce a new philosophical and scientific framework for evolutionary synthesis.
- To address intellectual limitations in current evolutionary biology.
Main Methods:
- Historiographical review of evolutionary paradigms.
- Application of the López Ontological Demarcation Design (LODD) principle.
- Integration of Organismic-Systems Biology (OSB) and cosmic evolution (CE).
Main Results:
- Identifies deep-seated positivist issues in neo-Darwinism and EES.
- Demonstrates that minor revisions to EES are insufficient.
- Outlines a novel, multidisciplinary evolutionary synthesis.
Conclusions:
- A complete overhaul of evolutionary theory is necessary.
- The proposed framework offers a non-reductionist, multidisciplinary alternative.
- Further research is needed to develop and evaluate this new synthesis.
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