Why do biologists argue like they do?

Philosophy of Science 64 (4):443 (1997)
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Abstract

"Theoretical pluralism" obtains when there are good evidential reasons for accommodating multiple theories of the same domain. Issues of "relative significance" often arise in connection with the investigation of such domains. In this paper, I describe and give examples of theoretical pluralism and relative significance issues. Then I explain why theoretical pluralism so often obtains in biology--and why issues of relative significance arise--in terms of evolutionary contingencies and the paucity or lack of laws of biology. Finally, I turn from explanation to justification, and raise questions about the purpose and value of concerns and disagreements about relative significance.

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John Beatty
University of British Columbia

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References found in this work

Discovery and Explanation in Biology and Medicine.Kenneth F. Schaffner - 1995 - British Journal for the Philosophy of Science 46 (4):621-623.
Genealogical Actors in Ecological Roles.David L. Hull - 1987 - Biology and Philosophy 2 (2):168-184.
Weighing the risks: Stalemate in the classical/balance controversy.John Beatty - 1987 - Journal of the History of Biology 20 (3):289-319.
Generalizations in Biology.Lindley Darden - 1996 - Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part A 27 (3):409-419.

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