Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons™
Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Articles 1 - 1 of 1
Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences
Evolution In Thermodynamic Perspective: An Ecological Approach, Bruce H. Weber, David J. Depew, C Dyke, Stanley N. Salthe, Eric D. Schneider, Jeffrey S. Wicken, Robert E. Ulanowicz
Evolution In Thermodynamic Perspective: An Ecological Approach, Bruce H. Weber, David J. Depew, C Dyke, Stanley N. Salthe, Eric D. Schneider, Jeffrey S. Wicken, Robert E. Ulanowicz
David J Depew
Recognition that biological systems are stabilized far from equilibrium by self-organizing, informed, autocatalytic cycles and structures that dissipate unusable energy and matter has led to recent attempts to reformulate evolutionary theory. We hold that such insights are consistent with the broad development of the Darwinian Tradition and with the concept of natural selection. Biological systems are selected that re not only more efficient than competitors but also enhance the integrity of the web of energetic relations in which they are embedded. But the expansion of the informational phase space, upon which selection acts, is also guaranteed by the properties of …