Publications [#320316] of Robert N. Brandon
search PubMed.Papers Published
- Brandon, RN, Biological teleology: Questions and explanations,
Studies in History and Philosophy of Science, vol. 12 no. 2
(January, 1981),
pp. 91-105, Elsevier BV [doi] .
(last updated on 2024/04/24)Abstract:
This paper gives an account of evolutionary explanations in biology. Briefly, the explanations I am primarily concerned with are explanations of adaptations. ('Adaptation' is a technical term and defining it requires a fairly lengthy digression.) These explanations are contrasted with other nonteleological evolutionary explanations. The distinction is made by distinguishing the different kinds of questions these different explanations serve to answer. The sense in which explanations of adaptations are teleological is spelled out. © 1981.