Entropy, Information, and Evolution: New Perspectives on Physical and Biological Evolution

Bruce H. Weber

ISBN 10: 0262231328 / ISBN 13: 9780262231329

Published by MIT Press, 1988

About this Item

Abnutzung / Risse - deutlich. Can recent advancements in thermodynamics and information theory provide solutions to the challenges facing evolutionary theory? This collection features sixteen original essays from experts in evolution, ecology, molecular biology, physical chemistry, physics, and philosophy, summarizing a developing research program. The first part includes contributions from Steven Frautschi, David Layser, and Dilip Kondoputi, focusing on the second law of thermodynamics as it relates to physical evolution and the origins of life. The second part features Lionel G. Harrison, Lionel Johnson, Eric D. Schneider, and Jeffrey S. Wicken, who discuss the thermodynamics of ecology and evolution, with Johnson and Wicken challenging neo-Darwinian views and proposing alternative theories linking thermodynamics to evolutionary ecology. In the third section, E. O. Wiley argues that phylogenetic evolution can be predicted using a reformulated version of the second law based on information theory, a stance supported by Daniel R. Brooks, D. David Cumming, and Paul H. LeBlond. The book concludes with essays that assess these contributions and their implications for biology, philosophy, and the social sciences. The editors, all professors at California State University, Fullerton, include Bruce H. Weber, David J. Depew, and James D. Smith.

Seller Inventory # 89fc8cc2-349e-4f29-8507-9bb6fc45ae65

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Entropy, Information, and Evolution: New Perspectives on Physical and Biological Evolution
• Publisher: MIT Press
• Publication Date: 1988
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0262231328
• ISBN 13: 9780262231329
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: Fair
• Seller catalogs:
  • Philosophy

About this title

Synopsis

Can recent developments in thermodynamics and information theory offer a way out of the current crisis in evolutionary theory? One of the most exciting and controversial areas of scientific research in recent years has been the application of the principles of nonequilibrium thermodynamics to the problems of the physical evolution of the universe, the origins of life, the structure and succession of ecological systems, and biological evolution. These sixteen original essays by evolutionists, ecologists, molecular biologists, physical chemists, physicists, and philosophers of science provide the best current summary of this developing research program.

Chapters in the book's first part - by Steven Frautschi, David Layser, and Dilip Kondoputi - explore the application of the second law of thermodynamics to physical evolution and the origins of life. Those in the second part - by Lionel G. Harrison, Lionel Johnson, Eric D. Schneider, and Jeffrey S. Wicken - take up the thermodynamics of ecology and evolution; Johnson and Wicken criticize neoDarwinian orthodoxy and present alternative theories relating thermodynamics to evolutionary ecology. In the book's third section, E. O. Wiley defends the theory that phylogenetic evolution may be predicted from a general version of the second law reformulated in terms of information theory, and Daniel R. Brooks, D. David Cumming, and Paul H. LeBlond also defend that controversial theory.

The book concludes with a series of essays that evaluate these contributions and point out their implications for biology, philosophy, and the social sciences.

The editors are all professors at California State University, Fullerton. Bruce H. Weber teaches chemistry and biochemistry, David J. Depew teaches philosophy, and James D. Smith teaches zoology. A Bradford Book.

About the Author

Bruce H. Weber is the Robert Woodworth Professor of Science and Natural Philosophy at Bennington College and Professor of Biochemistry at California State University at Fullerton.