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Biological constraints as norms in evolution.

Mathilde Tahar1

  • 1ERRAPHIS, Université Toulouse II - Jean Jaurès, Toulouse, France. mathildetahar@gmail.com.

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|March 3, 2022
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Biological evolution is shaped by historically contingent constraints, not fixed laws. These constraints are both a product and producer of evolution, leading to unpredictable novelty through their internalization by living organisms.

Keywords:
Biological agencyBiological constraintsHistoricityNormativityPossibility spaceTheory of evolution

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Area of Science:

  • Theoretical Biology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Philosophy of Science

Background:

  • Biology exhibits local, transitory regularities rather than immutable laws.
  • Montévil and Mossio (2015) proposed 'constraints' to explain these regularities, distinguishing them from mathematical invariants.
  • Previous work by Gould (2002) highlighted the dual role of constraints in producing and being produced by evolution.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the causal power of biological constraints on the evolution of biodiversity.
  • To explore the 'normativity' of constraints in directing evolutionary trajectories.
  • To elucidate the origins of novelty and unpredictability in evolution.

Main Methods:

  • Conceptual analysis of biological constraints and their causal efficacy.
  • Examination of the relationship between constraints, historicity, and normativity.
  • Integration of theoretical frameworks from evolutionary biology and philosophy of science.

Main Results:

  • Biological constraints possess causal power that directs evolutionary pathways.
  • The 'normativity' of constraints is crucial for understanding their full causal impact.
  • Evolutionary constraints are characterized by circular causation, producing novelties.
  • Internalization of constraints through living beings' practices contributes to evolutionary unpredictability.

Conclusions:

  • Biological evolution is driven by historically contingent constraints, not deterministic laws.
  • Understanding constraints requires considering their normative and interactive role in evolution.
  • The interplay between historicity, normativity, and organismal practices generates evolutionary novelty and unpredictability.