Naslov
Non-randomness of genetic mutations : Some philosophical implications

Autori
Kokić, Tonći

Izvornik
Nova prisutnost (1334-2312) 8 (2010), 2; 157-175

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, prethodno priopćenje, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
biology; benefit concept; evolution; mutation economy; mutations; non-randomness

Sažetak
The task of both scientists and philosophers is to doubt, question the supposed truth and challenge scientific claims. This article meets the task of challenging evolutionary theory’s (neo-Darwinian) claims of the random nature of genetic mutations. The neo-Darwinists’ theory of biological evolution views the transformation of living forms through stages of random mutations and non-random natural selection. Mutations are, by the definition of randomness, not caused by or aimed at the benefit of the organisms in which they occur. However, some experiments question the randomness of mutations claiming their non-random nature, and conceptual analysis points to the ambiguity of the concept of randomness and the notion of usefulness. In addition, it is not justified to apply the conceptual and methodological toolkit from physics in biology (except in molecular biology), because biology has its own domain with corresponding special concepts, principles and methodology. Harmonisation of the conceptual meanings indicates that the nature of non-random mutation process confirmed specific economy of biological evolution. The evolutionary implication of the non-random nature of mutation process presumes a world in which the occurrence of biological diversity is highly probable.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Filozofija

Napomena
Rad je kao predavanje prezentiran na skupu "Philosophy of Science", održanom od 16-21.04.2007., Dubrovnik, Hrvatska,

POVEZANOST RADA