Abstract
My aim in this paper is to quickly sketch a teleological approach to the problem of isolating the impact of genes on phenotypic characters. I begin by arguing that it is a mistake to think that there will be only one analysis of genetic input suitable for all theoretical interests. My principle focus is Richard Dawkins' argument for genic selectionism. I argue that a teleological analysis of genetic input is what Dawkins requires to establish the right kind of mapping of gene onto phenotype. This comes at a certain cost, however. Accepting the analysis will threaten Dawkins' claims about the teleogogical priority of gene over phenotype.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Cronin, H.: 1992,The Ant and the Peacock, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
Dawkins, R.: 1982, ‘Replicators and Vehicle’, in King's College Sociolobiology Group (eds.),Current Problems in Sociobiology, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
Dawkins, R.: 1989,The Extended Phenotype, Oxford University Press, Oxford.
Dawkins, R.: 1990,The Selfish Gene, Oxford University Press, Oxford.
Doolittle, W. and Sapienza, C.: 1980, ‘Selfish Genes: The Phenotypic Paradigm, and Genome Evolution’,Nature 284, 601–603.
Gould, S.: 1987,The Panda's Thumb, Penguin, London.
Kevles, D. and Hood, L.: 1992,The Code of Codes: Scientific and Social Issues in the Human Genome Project, Harvard University Press, Cambridge.
Maynard Smith, J.: 1987, ‘How to Model Evolution’, in Dupre, J. (ed.),The Latest on the Best: Essays on Evolution and Optimality, Bradford Books/MIT Press, Cambridge.
Millikan, R.: 1989, ‘In Defence of Proper Functions’,Philosophy of Science 56, 288–302.
Neander, K.: 1991, ‘Functions as Selected Effects: the Conceptual Analyst's Defence’,Philosophy of Science 58, 168–184.
Sterelny, K. and Kitcher, P.: 1988, ‘The Return of the Gene’,Journal of Philosophy 85, 339–361.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Agar, N. Teleogy and genes. Biol Philos 11, 289–300 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00128783
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00128783