Evolutionary Processes and Metaphors

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The current evolutionary debate spans from protobiotic chemistry to human sociobiology, reflecting significant advances across various scientific disciplines that reshape our understanding of nature. Neo-Darwinism, particularly in its orthodox form, is increasingly viewed as inadequate, yet few coherent alternatives have emerged from the dissenting voices. This volume aims to forge a new evolutionary synthesis that incorporates contemporary knowledge across all fields and critically examines the metaphorical foundations of both traditional and modern evolutionary theories. These metaphors significantly influence our humanistic perspectives and, consequently, our social and political actions. Contributors include those who support a transformed neo-Darwinism and others advocating for a more radical departure from established views. Despite their differing affiliations, they engage in meaningful dialogue regarding evolutionary concepts and mechanisms and their broader implications for science and society. The book offers fresh insights into key issues such as the physicochemical basis of life processes, the meaning of natural selection, the nature of variation and heredity, the integration of organisms with their environments, the active role of organisms in evolution, and the evolution of human society. This emerging synthesis represents an integrated, multilevel, and multidisciplinary approach to evolution, aligning with conte