Twelve fallacies of uniformitarianism

Abstract

Research Article| September 01, 1982 Twelve fallacies of uniformitarianism James H. Shea James H. Shea 1University of Wisconsin-Parkside, Box No. 2000, Kenosha, Wisconsin 53141 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information James H. Shea 1University of Wisconsin-Parkside, Box No. 2000, Kenosha, Wisconsin 53141 Publisher: Geological Society of America First Online: 01 Jun 2017 Online ISSN: 1943-2682 Print ISSN: 0091-7613 Geological Society of America Geology (1982) 10 (9): 455–460. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1982)10<455:TFOU>2.0.CO;2 Article history First Online: 01 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation James H. Shea; Twelve fallacies of uniformitarianism. Geology 1982;; 10 (9): 455–460. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1982)10<455:TFOU>2.0.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract Although uniformitarianism is widely recognized as the basic principle of geology, the geological literature is riddled with false and misleading statements as to what uniformitarianism means. These misconceptions must be eliminated so geologists feel free to propose any scientifically reasonable hypotheses and because they open geology to unwarranted attack from outside science. The twelve specific fallacies identified herein are that uniformitarianism (1) is unique to geology; (2) was originated by Hutton; (3) was named by Lyell, who established its current meaning; (4) should be called "actualism" because it refers to "real" causes; (5) holds that only currently acting processes operated during geologic time; (6) holds that the rates of processes have been constant; (7) holds that only gradual processes have acted and that catastrophes have not occurred during Earth's past; (8) holds that conditions on Earth haven't changed much; (9) holds that Earth is very old; (10) is a testable theory; (11) is limited in both time and place; and (12) holds that the laws governing nature have been constant through time. Geologists should abandon the terms "uniformitarianism" and "actualism" because they are fruitless, confusing, and inextricably associated with many fallacious concepts. Instead, the fundamental philosophical approach of science should be recognized as basic to geology. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.