Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
not of transformation of something that already exists in another
form. Such a conception is of course irrational and incompatible
with the scientific approach, which, in contrast, is based on reason.
It could be justified as a religious argument but not as a scientific
theory. In this respect, our intention is not to evaluate its validity,
but to emphasise its extra-scientific nature. Holism's monopolising
of the word evolution is just as problematical because it induces
confusion with the theory of natural selection which is the utter
antithesis of holism. For Darwinism, the organism is subjected to
random variations which do not spontaneously create order and do
not themselves end in producing new species. To do that, the selec-
tive action of the environment is required (see Fig. 4). The organ-
ism only acquires its structure under the influence of this external
pressure and not from any internal trend which might give direc-
tion to its destiny. The theory of natural selection is therefore the
product of a philosophy similar to that producing the principle of
inertia. In its view the organism carries no internal determination
and is not active in itself. It is constructed 'here and now' on being
confronted with the world. It therefore completely opposes the theory
of emergent evolution.
A final point deserves to be highlighted. Since genetic deter-
minism is reductionist, holism would at first sight seem to be
incompatible with it. Nevertheless, the two concepts unite in affirm-
ing the objective reality of order. In both cases a first principle is
involved which structures the world and directs processes. In
genetic determinism, the principle of order from order comes into
play through the stereospecificity of the molecules (chapter 3),
while in holism, the creative principle, less well defined and with a
variety of names, creates organised wholes. Order is perfectly real
in both theories, for the principle of order is inherent in matter. The
wholes and their method of organisation exist objectively and not
by virtue of any subjective divisions that our viewing of nature
might operate on it.
For this reason, genetic determinism and holism agree on a
single hierarchical model of the world consisting of the superimpo-
sition of levels of organisation of increasing complexity (Fig. 11).
