Evolution and transitions in complexity [electronic resource] : the science of hierarchical organization in nature /
Jagers op Akkerhuis, Gerard A.J.M.editor.
This book discusses several recent theoretic advancements in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary integration in the field of evolution. While exploring novel views, the text maintains a close link with one of the most broadly held views on evolution, namely that of “Darwinian evolution”. This work puts forth a new point of view which allows researchers to define in detail the concept of evolution. To create this conceptual definition, the text applies a stringent object-based focus. With this focus, the editors have been able to develop an object-based pattern of evolution at the smallest scale. Subsequently, this smallest scale pattern is used as an innovative basis for generalizations. These generalizations create links between biological Darwinism, and generalized Darwinism. The object based approach that was used to suggest innovations in the field of Darwinian evolution also allowed for contributions to other topics, such as major evolutionary transitions theory, the definition of life and the relationships between evolution, self-organization and thermodynamics. Together, the chapters of this book and the multidisciplinary reflections and comments of various specialists on these chapters, offer an exciting palette of innovative ideas. .
Includes index.
1. General Introduction. Part 1: The Operator Theory and Its Applications -- 2. Introducing the Operator Theory -- 3. Reflections on the Operator Theory -- 4. Darwinian Evolution: Process or Pattern? 5. Reflections on the Graph Representation of Darwinian Evolution -- 6. Generalising Darwinian Evolution by Using Its Smallest-Scale Representation as a Foundation -- 7. Critical Assessment Of Graph-Based Generalized Darwinism -- 8. The Role of Structural Criteria in Transitions Theory: A Focus on Organisms -- 9. In Defence of Gradualism -- 10. The Role of Structural Criteria in Transitions Theory: A Focus on Systems of Interacting Organisms -- 11. Major transitions, Operator Theory, and Human organization -- 12. Learning From Water: Two Complementary Definitions of the Concept of Life -- 13. Adding (Thermo)Dynamic Aspects to Definitions of Life -- 14. A Thermodynamic Account of the Emergence of Organised Matter -- 15. The Road to a Measurable Quantitative Understanding of Self-organization and Evolution -- Part 2:Discussion, Reflections, and Conclusions -- 16. General Discussion -- 17. What Comes Next? The Operator Theory as an Operationalisation of the Teilhardian View on Cosmogenesis -- 18. In Response to the Reflections of the Reviewers -- 19. Contributions to Open Challenges in Systems Theory and the Life Sciences.
This book discusses several recent theoretic advancements in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary integration in the field of evolution. While exploring novel views, the text maintains a close link with one of the most broadly held views on evolution, namely that of “Darwinian evolution”. This work puts forth a new point of view which allows researchers to define in detail the concept of evolution. To create this conceptual definition, the text applies a stringent object-based focus. With this focus, the editors have been able to develop an object-based pattern of evolution at the smallest scale. Subsequently, this smallest scale pattern is used as an innovative basis for generalizations. These generalizations create links between biological Darwinism, and generalized Darwinism. The object based approach that was used to suggest innovations in the field of Darwinian evolution also allowed for contributions to other topics, such as major evolutionary transitions theory, the definition of life and the relationships between evolution, self-organization and thermodynamics. Together, the chapters of this book and the multidisciplinary reflections and comments of various specialists on these chapters, offer an exciting palette of innovative ideas. .
Evolutionary biology.
Systems biology.
Biodiversity.
Philosophy and science.
Evolutionary Biology.
Systems Biology.
Biodiversity.
Philosophy of Science.