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Stephen Jay Gould (1941-2002)

By damaris9142

  • Theory of Punctuated Equilibrium

    Theory of Punctuated Equilibrium
    In 1972, Gould and his colleague Niles Eldredge introduced to the field of the evolutionary biology the theory of punctuated equilibrium. This theory explains the view of evolution that once species come to the fossil stage they will become stable; indicating that they show very small evolutionary change for most of their geological record. Gould describes this state as stasis. This theory contribute to the philosophy of science by transforming ideas about the evolution of the species.

  • Gould's book "Ontogeny and Phylogeny"

    Gould's book "Ontogeny and Phylogeny"
    Gould's book "Ontogeny and Phylogeny" published in 1977, explains the relationship between embryonic development known as ontogeny, and biological evolution known as phylogeny. This masterpiece was considered a technical book, which was significant in promoting further research into heterochrony, changes in the timing or rate of embryonic development. Gould reconstructed a history of developmental biology and emphasized the importance of development to evolutionary biology.

  • Gould's Non-Overlapping Magisteria

    Gould's Non-Overlapping Magisteria
    In 1999, Gould introduced the philosophical idea of non-overlapping magisteria in his book "Rocks of Ages". This idea was intended to resolve the debate between science and religion by establishing a principle that indicates these two realms are different from each other, therefore they can't coexist. He mentions science covers the empirical realm (physical world), while religion focuses over questions of ultimate meaning and moral value (spirituality).https://youtu.be/eNKpWtyEQKw

  • The Structure of Evolutionary Theory

    The Structure of Evolutionary Theory
    In 2002, Gould published "The Structure of Evolutionary Theory", a systematic exposition that recapitulates his version of modern evolutionary theory. In his book, he discuses the historical study of classical evolutionary thought, formulating by primary documents and constructive critique of the modern synthesis. Here he offers an illustration of biological evolution through hierarchical selection and the theory of punctuated equilibrium.