1st Edition

theories of the Evolution of Knowing the T.c. Schneirla Conferences Series, Volume 4

Edited By Gary Greenberg, Ethel Tobach Copyright 1990
    168 Pages
    by Psychology Press

    168 Pages
    by Psychology Press

    This volume presents current thought and criticism on evolutionary epistemology -- the evolution of knowledge and knowing. As the theme of the fourth T.C. Schneirla Conference held at Wichita State University, evolutionary epistemology was examined from several diverse areas of study including comparative, developmental, physiological, and cultural psychology as well as philosophy. Theories of the Evolution of Knowing addresses alternatives to the genetic determinism inherent in Donald Campbell's concept of genetic epistemology. The concept of integrative levels is shown to offer a parsimonious, non- reductionist approach to the development of "knowing" as a human capacity.

    Contents: Preface, D.T. Campbell, Levels of Organization, Downward Causation, and the Selection-Theory Approach to Evolutionary Epistemology. A. Danailov, C. Togel, Evolutionary Epistemology: Science Philosophy. R.M. Lerner, A Developmental Contextual Critique of Evolutionary Epistemology. S. Wapner, J. Demick, Development of Experience and Action: Levels of Integration in Human Functioning. R.B. Cairns, Developmental Epistemology and Self-Knowledge: Toward a Reinterpretation of Self-Esteem. S. Chorover, Paradigms Lost and Regained: Changing Beliefs, Values and Practices in Neuropsychology. S. Scribner, A Sociocultural Approach to the Study of Mind. D.D. Jensen, A Phylogenetic Epistemology: The Evolution of Sensory Organs, Nervous Systems, and Effectors from Protozoan to Primate. R. Feleppa, Evolutionary Epistemology Naturalized: Comments on Lerner, Danailov, and Togel. E. Tobach, The Amoeba and Einstein.

    Biography

    Gary Greenberg, Ethel Tobach

    "This book will be of interest to a wide range of specialists....I am impressed with this book and find much in it to recommend to psychologists and to others concerned with ontogenetic issues and with philosophical ramifications of evolution and natural history. The chapters require effort, but the conceptual rewards more than repay the effort."
    The Psychological Record