4 ms·

I agree with linear response systems (elec. eng. class), but what predictions can we make from this 'Darwinist' definition?

• n4r9 7y ago
  That's a well-posed question, and after some thought I think the answer is simply: those units of replication which are better adapted to surviving and replicating in their environment, will spread and thrive. I understand that this seems like a tautology, but I think that is actually the first part of Darwin's genius. Once the model is understood, then the outcomes appear obvious, at least at small scales. The second part of the genius is to grasp how small changes can build up over immense time scales to produce a plethora of species large and small. When it comes to "universal darwinism", the idea that first springs to mind is the theory of memetics, somewhat like cultural evolution via natural selection. A quick google suggests some movement is being made towards formalising this into a predictive science [0]. Also, I think that the explanatory power of a model can be just as helpful to us as the predictive power. For example the interplay of memetic and genetic selection gives satisfying explanations for behavioural phenomena that can be tough to accept on purely genetic grounds [1]. The existence of purely celibate positions of authority in many societies (shaman, priest, monk...) can be explained on the grounds that the "meme" defined by such a position frees up a lot of the host's energy. They no longer have to spend time and effort on maintaining a family or gathering food, and this energy can then be poured into spreading the meme to the next generation. I think you could even make a concrete prediction on similar grounds: there will continue to be strong groups forming around an idea of celibacy well into the future, such as is happening now with "incel" and "journey to purity" groups. [0] https://www.ies.be/files/metaspaper.pdf https://www.ies.be/files/metaspaper.pdf [1] http://pespmc1.vub.ac.be/MEMGEN.html http://pespmc1.vub.ac.be/MEMGEN.html