Bookkeeping or metaphysics? the units of selection debate

D. M. Walsh

pp. 337-361

in: Synthese 138 (3), 2004.

Abstract

The Units of Selection debate is a dispute about the causes of population change. I argue that it is generated by a particular `dynamical' interpretation of natural selection theory, according to which natural selection causes differential survival and reproduction of individuals and natural selection explanations cite these causes. I argue that the dynamical interpretation is mistaken and offer in outline an alternative, `statistical' interpretation, according to which natural selection theory is a fancy kind of `bookkeeping'. It explains by citing the statistical structure of a population and not by citing the causes of survival and reproduction. From the perspective of the statistical interpretation there is no substantive Units of Selection issue.