Scaffolding Natural Selection

Darwin provided us with a powerful theoretical framework to explain the evolution of living systems. Natural selection alone, however, has sometimes been seen as insufficient emergence new levels selection. The problem is one “circularity” for evolutionary explanations: how origins Darwinian properties without already invoking their presence at level they emerge. That is, does by natural commence in first place? Recent results experimental suggest way forward: Paul Rainey and his collaborators have shown that could be exogenously imposed via what call “ecological scaffolding.” This solve “black box” dilemma faced explanations organization. Yet, despite “scaffolding” recently becoming popular term study cognition, culture, evolution, concept suffered from vagueness ambiguity. article aims show scaffolding can turned into proper scientific able do explanatory work within context major transitions. Doing so will allow once again extend scope model