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Critical Notice: Cycles of Contingency – Developmental Systems and Evolution

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Abstract

The themes, problems and challenges of developmental systems theory as described in Cycles of Contingency are discussed. We argue in favor of a robust approach to philosophical and scientific problems of extended heredity and the integration of behavior, development, inheritance, and evolution. Problems with Sterelny's proposal to evaluate inheritance systems using his `Hoyle criteria' are discussed and critically evaluated. Additional support for a developmental systems perspective is sought in evolutionary studies of performance and behavior modulation of fitness.

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Griesemer, J., Haber, M., Yamashita, G. et al. Critical Notice: Cycles of Contingency – Developmental Systems and Evolution. Biol Philos 20, 517–544 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10539-004-0836-4

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