Organic Progress and Evolutionary Theory - Couverture souple

Cesare, Silvia De

Couverture souple

ISBN 10 : 1108949495 ISBN 13 : 9781108949491

Editeur : Cambridge University Press, 2026

Synopsis

Progress is defined as change towards the better. This definition, comprising both a descriptive and a normative element, can be applied in the organic domain to the history of living organisms. If evolutionary biologists struggle to live with organic progress, they also seem unable to live without it. Are there any theoretical arguments for using the normative terms 'good' and 'better' within evolutionary theory? How do we clarify the idea that some 'change towards the better' is conceptually implied by evolutionary theory? The author argues that there are specific kinds of value, that is, organic value, that allow us to speak meaningfully about improvements in living beings. A large part of this Element is devoted to showing how this applies to the concept of adaptation at a local scale. The final section broadens the investigation to a global scale, tentatively suggesting evolvability as a promising candidate for global progress.

Détails de l'édition

• Éditeur: Cambridge University Press
• Date d'édition: 2026
• Langue: anglais
• ISBN 10: 1108949495
• ISBN 13: 9781108949491
• Reliure: Broché
• Nombre de pages: 92
• Coordonnées du fabricant: Cambridge University Press; https://www.cambridge.org/; ; Via Honduras,15; Pomezia; Italia; 71; Italie