Philosophy Dictionary of ArgumentsHome
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| Equilibrium: In physics, equilibrium is a state in which the forces acting on an object or system are balanced. This means that the net force is zero, and the object or system is not accelerating. The concept helps to understand how objects and systems behave. It is also used in engineering, chemistry, and economics._____________Annotation: The above characterizations of concepts are neither definitions nor exhausting presentations of problems related to them. Instead, they are intended to give a short introduction to the contributions below. – Lexicon of Arguments. | |||
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Stephen Jay Gould on Equilibrium - Dictionary of Arguments
II 256ff Equilibrium/evolution/Eldredge/Gould: I am one of the evolutionists who believe in leaps in evolution. Together with Niles Eldredge: Thesis: theory of uninterrupted equilibrium: leaps do not have to express gaps in fossil finds, but can confirm the predictions of the theory of evolution.(1) II 258 These tendencies cannot be attributed to the gradual change within the sexes, but must arise from the different success of certain types of species. They are rather stairs than a sloping plane. Transitional forms are generally absent at the level of species, but are abundant between larger groups. - - - IV 186 Equilibrium/theory of the interrupted equilibrium (selective equilibrium)/Gould: thesis: the theory of the interrupted equilibrium is an unorthodox theory to explain the absence of expected patterns and laws (together with Niles Eldredge). Thesis: in normal times there is no continuous adaptive perfection within the groups of descent. Rather, the species are formed quite quickly on a scale of geological periods (i. e. in a few thousand years) and then remain extremely stable in the following millions of years. IV 187 Evolution/Gould: therefore, it must have an effect on the species level and not in Darwin's sense as a fight of the individuals: > punctuated equilibrium. >Evolution. Mass extinction: what was accumulated in normal times collapses, is dismantled and rearranged or newly started and spread. If the theory of the interrupted equilibrium is correct, then mass extinctions are even more catastrophic than previously assumed! If they can destroy up to 90% of all species, then by an unfortunate coincidence we lose some groups forever, while others in another world are better equipped. 1. N. Eldredge, S. J. Gould: Punctuated equilibria: an alternative to phyletic gradualism. In: T. Schopf (Ed), Models in Paleobiology, 82-115, San Francisco, (1972)._____________Explanation of symbols: Roman numerals indicate the source, arabic numerals indicate the page number. The corresponding books are indicated on the right hand side. ((s)…): Comment by the sender of the contribution. Translations: Dictionary of Arguments The note [Concept/Author], [Author1]Vs[Author2] or [Author]Vs[term] resp. "problem:"/"solution:", "old:"/"new:" and "thesis:" is an addition from the Dictionary of Arguments. If a German edition is specified, the page numbers refer to this edition. |
Gould I Stephen Jay Gould The Panda’s Thumb. More Reflections in Natural History, New York 1980 German Edition: Der Daumen des Panda Frankfurt 2009 Gould II Stephen Jay Gould Hen’s Teeth and Horse’s Toes. Further Reflections in Natural History, New York 1983 German Edition: Wie das Zebra zu seinen Streifen kommt Frankfurt 1991 Gould III Stephen Jay Gould Full House. The Spread of Excellence from Plato to Darwin, New York 1996 German Edition: Illusion Fortschritt Frankfurt 2004 Gould IV Stephen Jay Gould The Flamingo’s Smile. Reflections in Natural History, New York 1985 German Edition: Das Lächeln des Flamingos Basel 1989 |
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> Counter arguments against Gould
> Counter arguments in relation to Equilibrium
Ed. Martin Schulz, access date 2024-04-29