Tautology in evolution and ecology

http://indiana.edu/~curtweb/L567/readings/Peters%20RH%201976%20AmNat.pdf 
=== Author1 ===
It is extremely difficult to find a clear and precise 
statement of the theory of 
evolution 
=== Author2 ===
A popular tautology is that presented by Volterra's model of competition
(Volterra and d'Ancona 1935). It assumes that two popUlations grow in a
limited system such that, eventually, increase in one population produces a
decline of the other. These conditions are presented as constants in the LotkaVolterra
equations, from which a strictly mathematical logic shows that two
results may be obtained: one population or the other disappears. Because the
argument is logically derived from the assumptions, it is tautological. Nevertheless,
the argument has received considerable attention, possibly because the
conclusions, which are evident in a verbal statement, are more difficult for us
to see in the mathematical form.
This tautology might form the deductive portion of a combined theory, but
this would require that the axioms be phrased as testable theories. Andrewartha
and Birch (1954) maintain that this is impossible: one can determine the
necessary constants only by fitting the results of the competition experiment to
the general form of the equations. Thus the results must be predicted from the
results themselves. A more acceptable phrasing is that the results are classified
in terms of the model. The verification offered by Gause (1935) represents a
post facto correspondency with the model, not its proof.
Hardin (1960) points out that the third possible outcome, survival of both
populations, could only indicate a misclassification; that is, that the original
conditions were not met. He states that the principle is untestable and tautological,
but suggests that it may be useful in ordering our thoughts. Cole (1960)
was quick to point out that Hardin had thus raised the tautology to a dogma
=== Author3 ===
Tautologies may be useful logical aids, but they cannot replace true theories.
Unless ecologists are careful to distinguish the two, their confusion may produce
a body of thought resting on metaphysical rationale rather than empirical,
predictive science.
Category:TauTology
Category:ToE