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How should we distinguish between selectable and circumstantial traits?
1Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University of Iaşi, Iași, Romania. ciprianjeler@yahoo.com.
History and Philosophy of the Life Sciences
|January 11, 2024
Summary
This paper addresses the selectable traits problem by proposing that extrinsic properties, not just heritable ones, are crucial for natural selection. This expands our understanding of evolutionary traits beyond simple inheritance.
Area of Science:
- Philosophy of Science
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Distinguishing selectable traits from circumstantial traits is underexplored in philosophy.
- Existing definitions struggle with traits not directly heritable.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a novel solution to the "selectable traits problem."
- To critically evaluate existing philosophical accounts of selectable traits.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of the concept of heritability in relation to natural selection.
- Critique of philosophical solutions by Godfrey-Smith and Bourrat.
- Development of a new framework incorporating extrinsic properties.
Main Results:
- Heritability alone is insufficient to define selectable traits.
- Previous solutions fail to account for frequency-dependent selection.
- Extrinsic properties, linked to intrinsic population traits, are identifiable as selectable.
Conclusions:
- A more inclusive definition of selectable traits is necessary for evolutionary theory.
- The proposed framework accommodates frequency-dependent selection and offers broader explanatory power.
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