Note on evolution in organismic theory
Abstract
The possibility of applying the author's organismic theory, which centers on the so-called "principle of finite classes", to evolutionary processes is quite briefly explored. Since any theory represents a set of propositions about properties of classes, a theory of evolution deals essentially with classes of classes: The individual members of the larger class are themselves classes, namely, the classes of taxonomy. It is emphasized here that the classes of taxonomy have extremely few (if any) properties in common with each other. This constitutes an intrinsic limitation on any theory of evolution, whether organismic or mechanistic. The bearing of limitations of this type, referring to necessary causation, is briefly discussed.
- Publication:
-
Journal of Theoretical Biology
- Pub Date:
- 1963
- DOI:
- 10.1016/0022-5193(63)90025-0
- Bibcode:
- 1963JThBi...4..166E