Robert A. Skipper

The Persistence of the R.A. Fisher-Sewall Wright Controversy

This paper considers recent heated debates led by Jerry A. Coyne andMichael J. Wade on issues stemming from the 1929–1962 R.A. Fisher-Sewall Wrightcontroversy in population genetics. William B. Provine once remarked that theFisher-Wright controversy is central, fundamental, and very influential.Indeed,it is also persistent. The argumentative structure of therecent (1997–2000) debates is analyzed with the aim of eliminating a logicalconflict in them, viz., that the two “sides” in the debates havedifferent aims and that, as such, they are talking past each other. Given aphilosophical analysis of the argumentative structure of the debates,suggestions supportive of Wades work on the debate are made that areaimed, modestly, at putting the persistent Fisher-Wright controversy on thecourse to resolution.

The Heuristic Role of Sewall Wright’s 1932 Adaptive Landscape Diagram

Sewall Wright’s adaptive landscape is the most influential heuristic in evolutionary biology. Wright’s biographer, Provine, criticized Wright’s adaptive landscape, claiming that its heuristic value is dubious because of deep flaws. Ruse has defended Wright against Provine. Ruse claims Provine has not shown Wright’s use of the landscape is flawed, and that, even if it were, it is heuristically valuable. I argue that both Provine’s and Ruse’s analyses of the adaptive landscape are defective and suggest a more adequate understanding of it.

Manipulating Underdetermination in Scientific Controversy: The Case of the Molecular Clock

Where there are cases of underdetermination in scientific controversies, such as the case of the molecular clock, scientists may direct the course and terms of dispute by playing off the multidimensional framework of theory evaluation. This is because assessment strategies themselves are underdetermined. Within the framework of assessment, there are a variety of trade-offs between different strategies as well as shifting emphases as specific strategies are given more or less weight in assessment situations. When a strategy is underdetermined, scientists can change the dynamics of a controversy by making assessments using different combinations of evaluation strategies and/or weighting whatever strategies are in play in different ways. Following an underdetermination strategy does not end or resolve a scientific dispute. Consequently, manipulating underdetermination is a feature of controversy dynamics and not controversy closure.

Calibration of Laboratory Models in Population Genetics

This paper explores the calibration of laboratory models in population genetics as an experimental strategy for justifying experimental results and claims based upon them following Franklin (1986, 1990) and Rudge (1996, 1998). The analysis provided undermines Coyne et al.s (1997) critique of Wade and Goodnights (1991) experimental study of Wrights (1931, 1932) Shifting Balance Theory. The essay concludes by further demonstrating how this analysis bears on Diamonds (1986) claims regarding the weakness of laboratory experiments as evidence, and further how the calibration strategy fits within Lloyds (1987, 1988) account of the confirmation of ecological and evolutionary models.

Consent and Exploitation

We argue that Elliott’s four-element account of informed consent can be adapted to create a test to identify potential instances of exploitation. Exploitation is often defined as involving two parts: (1) an exchange resulting in an unfair distribution of benefits and costs where (2) the party that experiences the greater proportion of costs enters into the exchange in part due to limits to their autonomy. Consent, as it is framed by Elliott, can be a useful concept for identifying when (2) obtains.

Obesity and Coercion

We apply the concept of informed consent discussed in the previous chapter to demonstrate that individuals often cannot autonomously make choices when it comes to their eating behavior. We argue that choices about food and diet are not truly autonomous. The second element of exploitation, therefore, obtains. Further given that the activities of agribusiness and food retailers that have contributed to the obesity crisis have also resulted in the generation of a great deal of wealth for firms operating within those two sectors, the first element of exploitation also obtains.

The New Face of Food Insecurity

Many think of food insecurity in terms of famine and hunger. However, inadequate access to food has also been associated with obesity. We discuss the sharp increase in obesity rates that has occurred in the last 30 years. Specifically, we review arguments that recent trends within the food system have contributed towards changes in diet that have resulted in unprecedented numbers of individuals who are obese.