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Title: Kant, Design and Biological Theory

Abstract:

In philosophy of biology there has been ongoing debate between proponents of adaptationism (standard neo-Darwinism) and developmentalism (‘Evo-Devo’) for at least half a century. In the past few years, several philosophers have asked whether the two standpoints can be synthesised into a single theory. In this paper I examine the possibility of a new synthesis by noting a curious return on both sides of the debate to the account of design Kant proposed in Critique of the Power of Judgment. I suggest that each standpoint fulfils one of the two criteria Kant identifies for the investigation of organisms. I then argue that each standpoint departs from Kant’s account at some point or other. I conclude that the recent reception of Kant’s account of design suggests that a new synthesis would require a revised theoretical structure that acknowledges a plurality of investigative standpoints in biology.