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Defining Paradigm Darwinian Populations

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 January 2022

John Matthewson
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Abstract

This article presents an account of the biological populations that can undergo paradigmatic natural selection. I argue for, and develop Peter Godfrey-Smith’s claim that reproductive competition is a core attribute of such populations. However, as Godfrey-Smith notes, it is not the only important attribute. I suggest what the missing element is, co-opting elements of Alan Templeton’s notion of exchangeability. The final framework is then compared to two recent discussions regarding biological populations proposed by Roberta Millstein and Jacob Stegenga.

Type
Research Article
Information
Philosophy of Science , Volume 82 , Issue 2 , April 2015 , pp. 178 - 197
Copyright
Copyright © The Philosophy of Science Association

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Footnotes

†

Thanks to audiences at PBDB4, ISHPSSB 2011, AAP 2011, and Victoria University of Wellington for their input. I also acknowledge the help and support of Pierrick Bourrat, Patrick Forber, David Gilbert, Alan Hájek, Claire Matthewson, Chris Pincock, Jacob Stegenga, Kim Sterelny, and John Wilkins. Three anonymous reviewers for this journal also contributed extremely useful and generous comments. Finally, a great many thanks to Peter Godfrey-Smith and Roberta Millstein for their extensive help on earlier drafts. None of the above people necessarily agree with the ideas expressed here, and any errors are mine.

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