Document Type
Article
Date of Original Version
2002
Abstract
We distinguish dynamical and statistical interpretations of evolutionary theory. We argue that only the statistical interpretation preserves the presumed relation between natural selection and drift. On these grounds we claim that the dynamical conception of evolutionary theory as a theory of forces is mistaken. Selection and drift are not forces. Nor do selection and drift explanations appeal to the (sub‐population‐level) causes of population level change. Instead they explain by appeal to the statistical structure of populations. We briefly discuss the implications of the statistical interpretation of selection for various debates within the philosophy of biology—the ‘explananda of selection’ debate and the ‘units of selection’ debate.
Citation/Publisher Attribution
Denis Walsh, Tim Lewins, and André Ariew, "The Trials of Life: Natural Selection and Random Drift," Philosophy of Science 69, no. 3 (September 2002): 429-446.
Available at: https://doi.org/10.1086/342454
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