"Anon."  wrote:


> > R:-
> > I have a limited understanding of Evolution (A-Level), so please
> > excuse me if my understanding is not correct.  I want to know if there
> > is any research that discusses the direction of evolution.  Sure as we
> > evolve we adapt to best suit the current environment but that isn't to
> > say that evolution is a 'good thing' as it is generally assumed?  Just
> > because we evolve, it doesn't mean we become a better species, just
> > better able to cope with the current environment?  Is statement true?

> BOH:-
> There's a joyous little book entitled "The Temptations of Evolutionary 
> Ethics" by Paul Lawrence Farber, in which the author argues that where 
> people have tried to build their ethical systems on the basis that 
> evolution is "right" (morally), they've made a mess of things.  So, 
> basically I think you're right, unless you take a very narrow view of 
> what is meant by being a better species.

JE:-
Nature reduces the word "better" to mean
something _very_ specific: AN ABSOLUTE
INCREASE IN DARWINIAN FITNESS.

In simple terms this just means that
within each separate population parents
are maximising the TOTAL number of fertile
forms they have reproduced within it.
This total cannot be selected to be
reduced because it represents the 
only biological maximand that can
be tested to exist.

Regards,

John Edser
Independent Researcher

PO Box 266
Church Pt
NSW 2105
Australia

edser{at}tpg.com.au
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