PERSPECTIVE - DARWIN, PROGRESS, AND ECONOMIC-PRINCIPLES

Authors
Citation
Mt. Ghiselin, PERSPECTIVE - DARWIN, PROGRESS, AND ECONOMIC-PRINCIPLES, Evolution, 49(6), 1995, pp. 1029-1037
Citations number
59
Categorie Soggetti
Ecology,"Genetics & Heredity
Journal title
ISSN journal
00143820
Volume
49
Issue
6
Year of publication
1995
Pages
1029 - 1037
Database
ISI
SICI code
0014-3820(1995)49:6<1029:P-DPAE>2.0.ZU;2-D
Abstract
Darwin's concept of progress was an economic one, with the accumulatio n of adaptations having a strong analogy to technological innovations. This interpretation makes it easier to understand his differences wit h Lamarck and others whose views he considered metaphysically objectio nable. It also clarifies his relationship to Malthus and such features of his theory as the episodic nature of evolutionary change. His posi tion is consistent with modern theories of biotic invasions and long-t erm evolutionary trends. It also accords well with current efforts to produce a synthesis between biology and economics.