The Role of Mathematics in Evolutionary Theory

Analyzes what abstract formulae say about the empirical phenomena of evolution, using philosophical approaches.

Jun Otsuka (Author)

9781108727853, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 17 October 2019

75 pages
22.9 x 15.1 x 0.5 cm, 0.2 kg

'… there are several fascinating questions left to explore using the groundwork laid out in this excellent and thought-provoking book.' Jussi Lehtonen, Trends in Ecology and Evolution

The central role of mathematical modeling in modern evolutionary theory has raised a concern as to why and how abstract formulae can say anything about empirical phenomena of evolution. This Element introduces existing philosophical approaches to this problem and proposes a new account according to which evolutionary models are based on causal, and not just mathematical, assumptions. The novel account features causal models both as the Humean 'uniform nature' underlying evolutionary induction and as the organizing framework that integrates mathematical and empirical assumptions into a cohesive network of beliefs that functions together to achieve epistemic goals of evolutionary biology.

1. Math for evolution: Holy Grail or poisoned chalice?
2. The received view
3. The statisticalist controversy
4. Beyond dualism
5. Causal foundations of evolutionary theory
6. Conclusion.

Subject Areas: Philosophy of science [PDA], Philosophy: metaphysics & ontology [HPJ], Philosophy [HP], Humanities [H]