Darwin-L Message Log 1:133 (September 1993)

Academic Discussion on the History and Theory of the Historical Sciences

This is one message from the Archives of Darwin-L (1993–1997), a professional discussion group on the history and theory of the historical sciences.

Note: Additional publications on evolution and the historical sciences by the Darwin-L list owner are available on SSRN.

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<1:133>From AVW@PSUVM.PSU.EDU  Wed Sep 15 12:53:08 1993

Date: Wed, 15 Sep 1993 13:54 -0400 (EDT)
From: AVW@PSUVM.PSU.EDU
Subject: Re: Evolution and its mechanisms
To: darwin-l@ukanaix.cc.ukans.edu

As a geographer, I see distinction between the fact of change and speculation
about mechanisms as sensible.  Principles of equifinality imply (many?) routeS
from one pattern to another could exist.  The science comes in gathering
evidence for most likely one(s).

There is I think confusion, at least at lay levels, between the reality of
greater complexity of organization and behavior and the idea of progress.
In many cases, the first is seen to mean the latter.  The dictionary meaning
of EVOLUTION can itself mislead.  Can organisms evolve into simpler structures?

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