Abstract
In this paper I distinguish various ways in which empirical claims about evolutionary and ecological models can be supported by data. I describe three basic factors bearing on confirmation of empirical claims: fit of the model to data; independent testing of various aspects of the model, and variety of evident. A brief description of the kinds of confirmation is followed by examples of each kind, drawn from a range of evolutionary and ecological theories. I conclude that the greater complexity and precision of my approach, as compared to, for instance, a Popperian approach, can facilitate detailed analysis and comparison of empirical claims.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Beatty, J.: 1980, ‘Optimal-design Models and the Strategy of Model Building in Evolutionary Biology’,Philosophy of Science 47, 532–561.
Beatty, J.: 1981, ‘What's Wrong with the Received View of Evolutionary Theory?’,PSA 1980, Proceedings, Vol. II, Philosophy of Science Assoc., East Lansing, MI.
Beatty, J.: 1982, ‘The Insights and Oversights of Molecular Genetic: The Place of the Evolutionary Perspective’,PSA 1982, Vol. I, Philosophy of Science Assoc., East Lansing, MI.
Darwin, C.: 1919,Life and Letters of Charles Darwin (Francis Darwin, ed.), Appleton, New York.
Darwin, C.: 1903,More Letters of Charles Darwin (Francis Darwin, ed.),Appleton, New York.
Darwin, C.: 1964,On the Origin of Species (1st edition facsimile), Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA.
Diamond, J. M.: 1969, ‘Avifaunal Equilibria and Species Turnover Rates on the Channel Islands of California’,Proc. Nat. Sci. USA 64, 57–63.
Dobzhansky, T.: 1970,Genetics of the Evolutionary Process, Columbia University Press, New York.
Eldredge, N.: 1971, ‘The Allopatric Model and Phylogeny in Paleozoic Invertebrates’,Evolution 25, 156–167.
Eldredge, N. and S. J. Gould: 1972,Punctuated Equilibrium: An Alternative to Phyletic Gradualism, inModels in Paleobiology (T. J. M. Schopfied, (ed.)), Freeman, San Francisco.
Giere, R.: 1985, ‘Constructive Realism’, in Paul M. Churchland and Clifford A. Hooker (eds.),Images of Science, University of Chicago Press.
Gould, S. J.: 1983, ‘The Meaning of Punctuated Equilibrium and It RRole in Validating a Hierarchical Approach to Macroevolution’, in R. Milkman, (ed.),Perspectives in Evolution, Sinauer, Sunderland, MA.
Lewontin, R. C.: 1974,The Genetic Basis of Evolutionary Change, Columbia University Press, New York.
Lloyd, E.: 1983, ‘The Nature of Darwin's Support for the Theory of Natural Selection’,Philosophy of Science 50, 112–129.
Lloyd, E.: 1983, ‘A Semantic Approach to the Structure of Population Genetics,Philosophy of Science 51, 242–264.
Lloyd, E.: 1986a, ‘Thinking about Models in Evolutionary Theory’,Philosophica 37.
Lloyd, E.: 1986b, ‘Empirical Evaluation of Group Selection Debates’,Philosophy of Science Association Proceedings, Vol. I, 1986, Philosophy of Science Assoc., East Lansing, Mass.
MacArthur, R. H. and E. O. Wilson: 1963, ‘An Equilibrium Theory of Insular Zoogeography’,Evolution 17, 373–387.
MacArthur, R. H. and E. O. Wilson: 1967,The Theory of Island Biogeography, Princeton University Press, Princeton NJ.
Mayr, E.: 1963,Animal Species and Evolution, Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA.
Mayr, E.: 1982,The Growth of Biological Thought, Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA.
Oster, George F. and E. O. Wilson: 1978,Caste and Ecology in the Social Insects, Princeton University Press.
Platt, J. R.: 1964, ‘Strong Inference’,Science 146, 347–353.
Quinn, J. F. and A. E. Dunham: 1983, ‘On Hypothesis Testing in Ecology and Evolution’,American Naturalist 122, 602–617.
Roughgarden,J.: 1983, ‘Competition and Theory in Community Ecology’,American Naturalist 122, 583–601.
Simberloff, D.: 1983, ‘Competition Theory, Hypothesis Testing, and Other Community Ecological Buzzwords’,American Naturalist 122, 625–635.
Simberloff, D. and E. O. Wilson: 1969, ‘Experimental Zoogeography of Islands. The Colonization of Empty Islands’,Ecology 50, 278–296.
Simberloff, D. and E. O. Wilson: 1970. ‘Experimental Zoogeography of Islands. A Two-year Record of Colonization’,Ecology 51, 934–934.
Stanley, S.: 1975, ‘A Theory of Evolution Above the Species Level’,Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA 72 (2), 646–650.
Stanley, S.: 1979,Macroevolution: Pattern and Process, W. H. Freeman, San Francisco.
Strong, D. R.: 1983, ‘Natural Variability and the Manifold Mechanisms of Ecological Communities’,American Naturalist 122, 636–660.
Suppe, F.: 1972, ‘What's Wrong with the Received View on the Structure of Scientific Theories?’Philosophy of Science 39, 1–19.
Suppe, F. (ed.): 1977,The Structure of Scientific Theories (2nd edition), University of Illinois Press, Urbana, IL.
Suppes, P.: 1957,Introduction to Logic, Van Nostrand, New Jersey.
Suppes, P.: 1967, ‘What Is a Scientific Theory?’ in S. Morggenbesser (ed.),Philosophy of Science Today, Meridian, New York.
Thompson, Paul: 1985, ‘Sociobiological Explanation and the Testability of Sociobiological Theory’, in James H. Fetzer (ed.),Sociobiology and Epistemology, Reidel, Dordrecht.
Thompson, P.: 1983, ‘The Structure of Evolutionary Theory: A Semantic Approach’,Studies in History and Philosophy of Science 14, 215–229.
Toft, C. A. and P. J. Shea: 1983, ‘Detecting Communitywide Patterns: Estimating Power Strengthens Statistical Inference’,America Naturalist 122, 618–625.
van Fraassen, B. C.: 1970, ‘On the Extension of Beth's Semantics of Physical Theories’,Philosophy of Science 37, 325–339.
van Fraassen, B. C.: 1972, ‘A Formal Approach to the Philosophy of Science’, in R. Colodny (ed.),Paradigms and Paradoxes, University of Pittsburgh Press, Pittsburgh.
Wade, M. J.: 1976, ‘Group Selection among Laboratory Populations ofTribolium’,Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. USA 73, 4604–4607.
Wade, M. J.: 1977, ‘An Experimental Study of Group Selection’,Evolution 31, 134–153.
Wade, M. J.: 1978, ‘A Critical Review of the Models of Group Selection’,Quarterly Review of Biology 53 (2), 101–114.
Williams, C. G.: 1966,Adaption and Natural Selection, Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ.
Wilson, E. O. and D. S. Simberloff: 1969, ‘Experimental Zoogeography of Islands. Defaunation and Monitoring Techniques’,Ecology 50, 267–278.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Lloyd, E.A. Confirmation of ecological and evolutionary models. Biol Philos 2, 277–293 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00128834
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00128834