This discussion dives into the rivalry between neo-Darwinism and post-Darwinism. Concepts like natural genetic engineering challenge traditional views of evolution. The role of epigenetics and hybridization in evolution takes center stage, alongside questioning whether DNA truly governs our existence. Philosophical reflections connect the origins of life with physics, suggesting a creative aspect in the universe. This exploration invites a rethinking of how we understand evolution, biology, and its broader implications.
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insights INSIGHT
Neo-Darwinism vs. Post-Darwinism
Neo-Darwinism is a gene-centric view of evolution, unifying natural selection with genetics and paleontology.
Post-Darwinism emphasizes factors beyond random mutation, like epigenetics and organisms altering their genomes.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Previous Podcast and Third Way
Bruce Nielsen mentions a previous podcast episode (21) covering Michael Levin's work on evolution outside the genome.
He notes similarities between Levin's work and that of Denis Noble, a proponent of the "Third Way" of evolution.
insights INSIGHT
Third Way of Evolution
The "Third Way" in evolution posits purposefulness without invoking the supernatural like intelligent design.
It stands as an alternative to both traditional neo-Darwinism and intelligent design.
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In 'The Vital Question', Nick Lane addresses the mysteries of why complex life evolved only once in four billion years and why it shares peculiar traits such as sex and aging. Lane argues that the answer lies in energy, specifically the voltage with the strength of a lightning bolt that all life on Earth relies on. He builds on evolutionary theory and cutting-edge research in cell biology to provide a compelling account of evolution from the origins of life to the emergence of multicellular organisms, offering deep insights into our own lives and deaths.
The selfish gene
Lalla Ward Richard Dawkins
Richard Dawkins
In 'The Selfish Gene', Richard Dawkins presents a gene-centred view of evolution, arguing that genes are the primary units of selection and that they behave selfishly to ensure their own replication. The book explains concepts such as kin selection, inclusive fitness, and the evolutionarily stable strategy, highlighting how these mechanisms can lead to altruistic behaviors in organisms. Dawkins emphasizes that the 'selfishness' of genes is a metaphorical concept, describing their evolutionary consequences rather than any intentional behavior. The book has been influential in shaping modern evolutionary thought and remains relevant today[1][3][5].
Evolution: A View from the 21st Century
Evolution: A View from the 21st Century
James Shapiro
This week we discuss neo-Darwinism vs post-Darwinism. Neo-Darwinism meaning a gene centric view of evolution, which is also called the great synthesis since it unifies natural selection with genetics and paleontology and perhaps even human psychology.
Post-Darwinism is a view that emphasizes factors outside random mutation, like epigenetics or the assertion that organisms and cells can alter their own genome in a beneficial way.
Here Bruce specifically concentrates on the work of biologist James Shapiro’s critical look at Richard Dawkins’ neo-Darwinism.We consider, does it really make sense to see our bodies and minds as tools governed by our masters DNA? Does post-Darwinism, also called “third way evolution,” offer a meaningful alternative to both neo-Darwinism and the theism of intelligent design? Does this way of looking at biology say something about the very nature of reality and the laws of physics?
This is part 1 of a loose series. Part 2 will cover criticisms of Noble and Shapiro. Part 3 will cover the work of Michael Levin. However, you don't really need to listen to them in order and we provide context each time.
The Theory of Anything 
