Do you have a dumb question that you're kind of embarrassed to ask in the main thread? Is there something you're just not sure about?
This is your opportunity to ask questions. No question too simple or too silly.
Culture war topics are accepted, and proposals for a better intro post are appreciated.
Jump in the discussion.
No email address required.
Notes -
I think you're greatly overstating hostility to #4 here. This is my field and I'd say the majority of biologists is not only fine with it, but even frequently colloquially uses the language indicating #4 as the primary reason. Me included. Yes, it's more complicated overall, but "genetic variants associated with sharper front tooth developed because it allowed specimen to sever meat better and so they had more offspring" is more or less correct in my view.
Yeah, this is a point I keep making to people — natural selection the process may be atelic, but the products of evolution are consequently telic — that's what makes an adaptation an adaptation. Indeed, I argue that this, though oft ignored, is one of the key philosophical insights of Darwinian theory: the explanation of how you can get purpose without a Purpose-Giver.
More options
Context Copy link
More options
Context Copy link