Date: Thu, 11 Apr 1996 14:33:35 -0600
Subject:  evolutionary/economic analogy?



>>> Justin Schwartz <jschwart-AT-freenet.columbus.oh.us>  4/10/96, 
Hesse points out that analogies are at the heart of many scientific
theories, even in the excat sciences. It might not be overstating the
point to say that the analogies are in some cases partly constitutive
of the theories. To take one example that Lisa will like: consider
thea pplication of "rational choice theory" to evolutionary biology,
treating organisms (even plants) as if they were economically
rational agents.
****
Justin,
I am very interested!  This is one of the things that Terrence
McDonough has been wacking me for, because he thinks it's an
inappropriate analogy, or he calls it a metaphor.  Did you catch our
exchange on that in some of the mail I forwarded to the list?  I want
to know what you think.

I wouldn't say that 'economic rationality' or 'optimization' is at
the _heart_ of evolutionary theory, but it's a very useful set of
mathmatical methods and terminology, at least.  It is due to the
nature of natural selection that it creates lifeforms that 'act as
if' they are allocating scarce resources in ways likely to maximize
their own survival and reproduction.  [Is that clear enough, or what
could I add?]

Do you really think that the economic 'analogy' is 'constitutive' of
such evolutionary theory?  What do you mean by that?

Regards,
Lisa




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