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The Heuristic Role of Sewall Wright's 1932 Adaptive Landscape Diagram

Philosophy of Science · 2004 · 60 citations · 33 references

Open access

Concepts

Life SciencesBiologyEvolutionary BiologyEvolutionary EcologyEvolutionary TheoryMacroevolutionAdaptive LandscapesEvolutionFitness LandscapesLandscape DiagramsNatural SelectionAdaptive Landscape Theory

TL;DR

Wright’s adaptive‑landscape diagram is a foundational evolutionary heuristic that Provine has criticized for deep flaws, while Ruse defends its value, arguing that even if imperfect it remains useful. The study argues that both Provine’s and Ruse’s critiques of the adaptive landscape are flawed and proposes a more adequate understanding. The authors critique both Provine’s and Ruse’s analyses and propose a revised conceptualization of the adaptive landscape.

Abstract

Sewall Wright's adaptive landscape is the most influential heuristic in evolutionary biology. Wright's biographer, Provine, criticized Wright's adaptive landscape, claiming that its heuristic value is dubious because of deep flaws. Ruse has defended Wright against Provine. Ruse claims Provine has not shown Wright's use of the landscape is flawed, and that, even if it were, it is heuristically valuable. I argue that both Provine's and Ruse's analyses of the adaptive landscape are defective and suggest a more adequate understanding of it.