Biology Reference
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Precursor
Y
EVOLUTION =
X
Z
Emergent Property
Mechanism/Theory
Env
Fig. 14.2 A triadic definition of evolution. It is suggested here that Y is related to Firstness, X to
Secondness, and Z to Thirdness in the triadic metaphysics of C. S. Peirce (1839-1914) (Sect. 6.2 ) .
This figure is qualitatively similar to Fig. 14.1
Table 14.8 Evolution as a triadic relation type with its tokens in physics, biology, and the spiritual
world. The symbols X, Y, and Z are defined in Statement 14.17 and Fig. 14.2
Evolution
Property X
Levels
Precursor Y
Mechanism Z
Physics
Rigidity
Hadrons
Expanding universe
Superconductivity
Leptons
Superfluidity
Bosons (“equilibrons”)
Biology
Self-reproduction
Ions
Thermal cycling
caused by the revolution
of the earth
Adaptability
Molecules (“equilibrons”)
Differentiation
Chemical reactions
(“dissipatons”)
Religion
Self-control
Cells
Social interactions through
the ages (?)
Self-sacrifice
Brains
Belief in truth, good,
and beauty
Social groups (“Nouons”)
It should be noted that Evolution is represented by the whole triangle (see the
square brackets) and Emergence by one of its three edges, that is, Y-X. As indicated
in Table 14.8 below, physical evolution differs from biological one because their
mechanisms of evolution are different - one is cosmological in spatiotemporal scale
and the other is local, that is, earth- and biosphere-bound.
Laughlin's treatment of the concept of evolution in the above quotations appears
to go against the mainstream view of contemporary biologists (Salthe 2009).
Theodosius Dobzhansky (1900-1975) (1973) has remarked that
Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution.
(14.19)
To a physical-organic-chemist-turned theoretical cell biologist who has spent
more than three decades studying living systems, Statement 14.18 rings true. More
recently, Fodor and Piatelli-Palmarini (2010, p. 30) expressed what they thought
was the opposite of Statement 14.18:
... nothing in evolution makes sense except in the light of developmental biology.
(14.20)
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