The Universal Principles of Evolution

Abstract

Here we identify the core properties of genetic evolution with the intention of providing a unified definition of evolving systems that applies unequivocally in the natural and social sciences. Our definition is: evolution sustains organized systems through high fidelity replication of information. This definition can be broken down into five essential components: (1) high fidelity replication of information with 0% < survival rate < 100%; (2) expendable replication technology distinct from the replication information; (3) inert information that provides no kinetic energy to the replication process; (4) demonstrates a quantifiable resistance to entropy; (5) demonstrates intentionality.

KEYWORDS:

• Entropy
• evolution
• genes
• information theory
• memes
• replication

Notes

¹ An enucleated cell would be lacking its own DNA, but the membranes, cytoplasm, enzymes, and so on would be intact.

² While this intentional stance, as Dennett calls it, may anthropomorphize nature, without it the behavioral psychologists and materialists are stuck trying to explain the origin of intentionality without reference to evolution. This leaves them only two real choices: deny the existence of intentional consciousness, or attribute intentionality to a supra-natural power (God, magic, etc.). Assuming the materialist will avoid the supra-natural explanation, all that remains is a denial of intentional consciousness. Such a denial proves difficult to defend empirically. Virtually ever living person claims to experience intentional consciousness. In the face of such evidence, the strict materialist can only claim that this universal experience is an illusion. But this claim too proves problematic, as it can only be made by an intentional act of consciousness.

³ It is worth noting that critics of memetic theory like Edmonds have not dismissed genetics, despite controversy about the discrete unit of evolution.