Causality Meets Mathematics: In Defense of the Mathematization of Evolutionary Biology

Abstract

Few evolutionary biologists will be surprised by the opening statement in this book: ‘Like any other advanced science, contemporary evolutionary theory is highly mathematized’ [ 1. ]. What may be more surprising is the extent of the debate and disagreement that has surrounded the meaning of mathematics in evolutionary biology, spanning most of the past century to this day. This book – written by a philosopher of science closely involved with the debate – takes a perspective at the intersection of philosophy, mathematics, and biology. While a practicing biologist can continue their research without being aware of most of the questions this book centers on, I would unreservedly recommend it to anyone with an interest in the theoretical underpinnings of their field.