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(2004) Synthese 138 (3).
The Units of Selection debate is a dispute about the causes of population change. I argue that it is generated by a particular `dynamical' interpretation of natural selection theory, according to which natural selection causes differential survival and reproduction of individuals and natural selection explanations cite these causes. I argue that the dynamical interpretation is mistaken and offer in outline an alternative, `statistical' interpretation, according to which natural selection theory is a fancy kind of `bookkeeping'. It explains by citing the statistical structure of a population and not by citing the causes of survival and reproduction. From the perspective of the statistical interpretation there is no substantive Units of Selection issue.
Publication details
DOI: 10.1023/B:SYNT.0000016426.73707.92
Full citation:
Walsh, D. M. (2004). Bookkeeping or metaphysics? the units of selection debate. Synthese 138 (3), pp. 337-361.
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