Does a porpoise have a purpose? Agency and goals in evolution (Ep 115)
Feb 8, 2024
auto_awesome
Samir Okasha, Professor of Philosophy of Science at the University of Bristol, discusses the concept of agency in evolution, exploring definitions of agency, genes as agents, agency in group dynamics, and the relationship between agency and adaptation.
The concept of agency in biology varies depending on the scientific usefulness and the degree of integration and unity of purpose within the organism or group.
The use of intentional language in evolutionary explanations, while metaphorical, can lead to confusion between proximate and ultimate explanations and the challenge of distinguishing between adaptive behavior and behavioral plasticity.
The possession of certain phenotypes, such as information processing, cognitive abilities, and decision-making, is essential for agency, and heritable variation in these traits likely played a role in the evolution of agency.
Deep dives
The Concept of Agency in Biology
The podcast episode explores the concept of agency in biology and its relationship to evolution. It discusses various notions of agency, such as intentional agents, intelligent agents, and minimal agents. While intentional agents require a mental representation of goals and deliberate action, other forms of agency can be seen in organisms that exhibit plasticity, flexibility, and decision-making abilities. The episode emphasizes that the application of the concept of agency depends on the scientific utility and the degree of integration and unity of purpose within the organism or group. It also raises questions about the extent of agency in multi-species groups and the ethical implications of anthropomorphizing non-human entities.
The Role of Agency in Evolutionary Thinking
The podcast delves into the role of agency in evolutionary biology. It highlights the use of intentional language in evolutionary explanations, where adaptive traits are metaphorically ascribed to organisms as if they have goals and intentions. The episode discusses the challenge of distinguishing between adaptive behavior and behavioral plasticity and how the use of intentional language can invite confusion between proximate and ultimate explanations. It also explores the intentional language in the context of inter-genomic conflicts and the possibility of multi-species groups exhibiting agency. The episode concludes by examining the scientific utility of using intentional language in evolutionary biology.
Heritable Variation and the Evolution of Agency
The podcast episode touches upon the heritable variation in agency and its evolutionary implications. It acknowledges that the possession of certain phenotypes, such as information processing, cognitive abilities, and decision-making, are prerequisites for agency. While heritable variation in these phenotypes likely existed during evolution, the current extent of such variation is uncertain. The episode emphasizes the importance of heritable variation in the evolution of agency and acknowledges that further research is needed to understand the genetic basis and inheritance patterns of these traits.
Differentiating Type 1 and Type 2 Agency in Evolutionary Biology
The podcast episode explores the distinction between Type 1 and Type 2 agency in evolutionary biology. Type 1 agency refers to organisms or genes acting as agents in pursuit of goals, while Type 2 agency characterizes the process of evolution itself as agential. The speaker argues that Type 1 agency can be a useful mode of description, particularly when analyzing adaptive explanations. However, Type 2 agency, which treats natural selection as an agential process, is deemed anthropomorphic and lacking a solid basis in biology. The episode highlights the importance of distinguishing between the two types of agency and critically questioning the use of intentional language in evolutionary biology.
Variation and Adaptation: The Role of Plasticity and Agential Behaviors
The podcast discusses the role of plasticity and agential behaviors in response to environmental uncertainty and variation. It explores how organisms with flexible behaviors and adaptive plasticity can cope with changing environments that do not have a single optimal genotype. The speaker suggests that such behaviors and capacities may have evolved as a way to deal with environmental uncertainty and fluctuations within the lifespan of an organism. The episode also raises questions about why some lineages have evolved agential behaviors, while others have not, and whether different environmental conditions favored the development of agency-related traits.
What is an agent, and does an organism have to be conscious to be one? How does organismal agency affect evolution?
In this episode, we talk with Samir Okasha, a Professor of Philosophy of Science at the University of Bristol. Samir studies fundamental philosophical questions in evolutionary biology, most notably how selection acts on various levels of biological organization. Our discussion focuses on his book “Agents and Goals in Evolution,” in which he unpacks various definitions of agency and outlines their evolutionary implications. We talk about whether genes and groups of individuals can be agents, whether agency is heritable, where variation in agency comes from, and the relationship between agency and adaptation.
Cover art: Keating Shahmehri. Find a transcript of this episode on our website.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
