Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas 125 | David Haig on the Evolution of Meaning from Darwin to Derrida
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Nov 30, 2020 In this engaging discussion, geneticist David Haig from Harvard University explores the relationship between evolution and meaning. He argues that meanings can emerge from evolutionary processes, challenging the perception of purposelessness in nature. Haig bridges biology and philosophy, referencing Aristotle and Darwin while advocating for an integrative approach to complex ideas. He also examines how genes, cooperation, and cultural evolution interplay, suggesting that human cognition shapes morality and purpose, creating a rich tapestry of meaning in life.
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Evolution and Teleology
- Darwin's theory of evolution challenged Aristotle's teleological view, where purposes were inherent in nature.
- Evolution explains adaptation through a non-teleological process, where traits are selected based on present usefulness, not future goals.
Teleology in Biology
- Biologists often avoid teleological language, deeming it unscientific, despite biology's inherent purposiveness.
- David Haig argues that this rejection stems from flawed philosophical assumptions and hinders the understanding of adaptation.
Darwin's Naturalization of Purpose
- Darwin naturalized purpose by showing a natural process could create beings with intentions, eliminating the need for supernatural explanations.
- The core of Darwinian teleology lies in the concept of genes: their effects determine their presence, giving natural selection a forward-looking aspect due to reproduction's recursion.
