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The Nature Institute - Dogma and Doubt |
 | | In order to make the argument that a trait is an optimal solution to a particular problem, it must be possible to view the trait and the problem in isolation, all other things being equal. |
 | | Since this remark was prompted by Lewontin's argument (1977) that the notion of optimalizing adaptation did not seem to be testable, it seems fair, if treasonous, to imagine what would happen if this central thesis were found to be incorrect. |
 | | If the general theory were incorrect, anything like confirmation on the local level would be an optical illusion, for it would confirm a relation that did not exist. |
| natureinstitute.org /txt/rb/dogma/dogmadoubt.htm (8861 words) |
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