Structure and Function

More about the book

The book explores the ongoing debate between structuralism and functionalism in biology, highlighting their complex interplay and the challenges in characterizing these approaches. It proposes a novel framework that views them as complementary explanatory strategies, suggesting their integration is crucial for the successes of evolutionary-developmental biology. The author argues that neither strategy is inherently superior, though they may serve different roles in specific contexts. Additionally, it examines how this philosophical analysis can shed light on broader conflicts within evolutionary theory.