Focusing on the environment's critical role in adaptation, Robert Brandon clarifies key definitions and principles to make the argument for evolution by natural selection empirically testable. He posits that natural selection involves differential reproduction driven by varying levels of adaptedness to a shared selective environment, providing a framework for understanding evolutionary processes.
Life on earth is characterized by three phenomena: adaptation; diversity; and complexity. Natural selection explains adaptation. But what explains diversity and complexity? This book argues that there exists in evolution a spontaneous tendency toward increased diversity and complexity, one that acts whether natural selection is present or not.
The essays delve into essential themes within the philosophy of evolutionary biology, showcasing Professor Brandon's insights on traditional topics. This collection reflects contemporary debates and perspectives, offering a comprehensive exploration of the philosophical implications of evolutionary theory.