Gould’s laws: a second perspective

Dresow, Max

doi:10.1007/s10539-019-9698-7

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

References 31 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…The role of contingency (Wong 2020;Hopster 2017;Ramsey and Pence 2016;Ćirković 2014) and that of convergence (Currie 2012;Losos 2011;Harmon et al 2005;Futuyma 2010;Stayton 2015aStayton , 2015b in evolution has been discussed extensively in the literature. The way these factors were used to develop the contingency thesis as promoted by S. J. Gould (Blount, Lenski, and Losos 2018;McConwell 2019;Turner 2011;Dresow 2019;Beatty 2006aBeatty , 2006b) and the convergence thesis as promoted by S. Conway Morris, has also been researched. In addition, the debate between the two has been approached from different perspectives (Baron 2011;Bowler 1998;Baron 2009;Mcshea 1993).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Contingency and convergence in the theory of evolution: Stephen Jay Gould vs. Simon Conway Morris

Jeftić¹

2022

Belgrade Philosop Ann

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Debating the interpretation of the Burgess Shale fossil records, Stephen Jay Gould and Simon Conway Morris have formulated two conflicting theses regarding the nature of evolutionary processes. While Gould argued that evolution is essentially a contingent process whose outcomes are unpredictable, Conway Morris claimed that the omnipresence of convergence testifies that it is in fact deterministic, leading to predictable and inevitable outcomes. Their theses have been extensively researched from various perspectives. However, a systematic parallel analysis of the core arguments each of them offered in support of their thesis has been lacking. I argue Conway Morris has successfully exposed the core weaknesses of Gould's thesis and offered a comprehensive account in favor of the major role of convergence in evolutionary history. On the other hand, I will point out some of the weak points in the latter's arguments supporting the deterministic view of life's evolution. Although Conway Morris has been more successful in arguing for the deterministic nature of the evolutionary processes, both theses could be improved if their shortcomings are taken into consideration.

show abstract

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Contingency and convergence in the theory of evolution: Stephen Jay Gould vs. Simon Conway Morris

Jeftić¹

2022

Belgrade Philosop Ann

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Gould’s laws: a second perspective

Cited by 1 publication

References 31 publications

Contingency and convergence in the theory of evolution: Stephen Jay Gould vs. Simon Conway Morris

Contingency and convergence in the theory of evolution: Stephen Jay Gould vs. Simon Conway Morris

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About