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PERSPECTIVE: DARWIN, PROGRESS, AND ECONOMIC PRINCIPLES
Author(s) -
Ghiselin Michael T.
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
evolution
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.84
H-Index - 199
eISSN - 1558-5646
pISSN - 0014-3820
DOI - 10.1111/j.1558-5646.1995.tb04430.x
Subject(s) - analogy , darwin (adl) , perspective (graphical) , biology , interpretation (philosophy) , epistemology , evolutionary theory , biological evolution , modern evolutionary synthesis , metaphysics , environmental ethics , neoclassical economics , positive economics , evolutionary biology , philosophy , economics , artificial intelligence , genetics , computer science , linguistics , software engineering
Darwin's concept of progress was an economic one, with the accumulation of adaptations having a strong analogy to technological innovations. This interpretation makes it easier to understand his differences with Lamarck and others whose views he considered metaphysically objectionable. It also clarifies his relationship to Malthus and such features of his theory as the episodic nature of evolutionary change. His position is consistent with modern theories of biotic invasions and long‐term evolutionary trends. It also accords well with current efforts to produce a synthesis between biology and economics.