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The British Journal for the Philosophy of Science Advance Access originally published online on July 16, 2008
The British Journal for the Philosophy of Science 2008 59(3):319-351; doi:10.1093/bjps/axn010
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© The Author (2008). Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of British Society for the Philosophy of Science. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oxfordjournals.org

Fisher's Fundamental Theorem of Natural Selection—A Philosophical Analysis

Samir Okasha

Department of Philosophy University of Bristol 9 Woodland Road Bristol BS8 1TB UK

Samir.Okasha{at}bris.ac.uk


  Abstract

This paper provides a philosophical analysis of the ongoing controversy surrounding R.A. Fisher's famous ‘fundamental theorem’ of natural selection. The difference between the ‘traditional’ and ‘modern’ interpretations of the theorem is explained. I argue that proponents of the modern interpretation have captured Fisher's intended meaning correctly and shown that the theorem is mathematically correct, pace the traditional consensus. However, whether the theorem has any real biological significance remains an unresolved issue. I argue that the answer depends on whether we accept Fisher's non-standard notion of environmental change, on which the theorem rests; arguments for and against this notion are explored. I suggest that there is a close link between Fisher's fundamental theorem and the modern ‘gene's eye’ view of evolution.

  1. Introduction
  2. What Does the Fundamental Theorem Say?
  3. Key Concepts Explained
  4. Alleged Significance of the FTNS
  5. Traditional versus Modern Interpretations of the FTNS
  6. The Modern Interpretation Illustrated
  7. Fisher's Concept of ‘Environmental Change’
  8. Causality and the Modern Interpretation
  9. The Significance of the FTNS Re-considered
Appendix


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