Dawkins vs. Gould: Survival of the Fittest (Revolutions in Science) by Kim Sterelny (1-Mar-2007) Paperback by (PDF)

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⭐This is a basically successful book, encapsulating some of the disputes in evolution, particularly between Richard Dawkins and Stephen J. Gould. For someone who just wants the basics of the dispute without having to wade through lengthy or complex material, it is perfect. I think it could be improved, though. Sterelny doesn’t have particularly good notes, more like a recommended reading list. It is not easy to tell exactly where he is getting his statements. He points, for example, to Dawkin’s criticism of Gould & Eldridge Punctuated Equilibrium as a gloss in

⭐. Sterelny regards this as unfair, but I actually thought it was quite good. I think his criticism as regards local population changes is entirely fair. Sterelny argues that he is not taking into account the portion of the theory that deals with speciation. But exactly where, in the various iterations is the latter point? I don’t remember it in the original article – is this my failing memory, or is that a later development, perhaps after The Blind Watchmaker was written? I’ll have to dig up and reread all the articles to find out, whereas a simple citation might have made it immediately clear.I also felt that Sterelny did not discuss the problem of definitions thoroughly enough. He does this with the question of increasing fitness, pointing out that this may true over the history of a particular species, but perhaps not true between different species separated by long time spans. I think this is true of many issues of contention. Part of the issue of the role of chance in evolution depends upon whether or not one considers mass extinctions to be part of evolution specifically, or rather a feature of natural history that changes the conditions under which evolution operates. One of the criticisms of Gould, such as Dawkins aforementioned criticism of Punctuated Equilibrium, is that he exaggerates the novelty of his ideas. In these cases, his critics don’t so much disagree with what he is saying as argue that he is producing useful glosses or drawing out implications that are true, but not revolutionary, and that in the process, he distorts other people’s work, notably Darwin’s.Certainly worth reading. I think that Sterelny often explains the two combatants’ positions more clearly than they themselves do. Those interested in pinning down the subject more firmly will regret the lack of citations, but there are numerous recommendations for further reading, tied to particular subjects by chapter.

⭐Kim Sterelny’s overview of the Stephen Gould – Richard Dawkins conflicting views of evolution is a masterful summation. Setting himself an immense task, he addresses the material published by the two evolutionists, assessing evidence, logic and interpretation. To Sterelny’s lasting credit, personality is almost entirely omitted in this account. A brief education background note [Dawkins studied under Tinbergen, Gould’s mentor was George Gaylord Simpson] and Sterelny moves quickly to the essence of the debate. His presentation makes this a fine introduction to the issues involved.Debate is a gentle word to apply to some of the acrimonious exchanges the pair engaged in either directly or through proxies. The opening shot was Gould’s scornful review of Daniel C. Dennett’s “Darwin’s Dangerous Idea” in which Dennett challenged Gould and Eldredge’s notion of punctuated equilibrium as setting the pace of evolution. The clash brought to light more fundamental differences in outlook – gene-centred evolution or a multi-level interacting set of forces. As Sterelny ultimately points out, the two are subject to merging into a broader synthesis. Dawkins has made that point frequently, as Sterelny notes, but that reality failed to find fertile ground on this side of the Atlantic.Gene-centred evolution results in the creation of adaptations through mutations. Whether these adaptations are successful over time is the story of evolution. Gould found many ways to challenge this theme, chiefly because it would apply equally to human evolution, something Gould always found abhorrent. Gould’s argument went deeper than human evolution. He advanced “contingency” and mass extinctions of whatever cause, as more viable mechanisms than what he labelled “gene centrism”. Sterelny presents both positions with admirable clarity and laudable equilibrium. It would be churlish to criticise Sterelny’s temperate treatment of Gould’s notions. Dawkins and Dennett have already performed the task sufficiently, although Sterelny skirts Dennett’s examination.The loss of Gould to cancer has not quelled the debate, thus proving it wasn’t simply a clash of personalities. A Gould “camp”, with adherents on both sides of the Atlantic, maintains the heated dispute. Lewontin and Kamin in America and the Rose cabal in the UK still launch verbal missiles at the Dawkins target. Sterelny keeps his focus tight in this book, not being diverted to these disputants. In performing this feat, Sterelny might be criticised for failing to note why the debate is worth notice by a wider audience. He certainly hasn’t written this for the academic community, although many in other disciplines might benefit from his insights and brisk narrative. Sterelny’s position as a philosopher located in New Zealand is sufficient example to show how far the debate has reached. Its very universality might have prompted him to reflect on its impact on social questions. Even so, his effort is highly commendable and deserves the widest possible readership. [stephen a. haines – Ottawa, Canada]

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