Confirmation of ecological and evolutionary models

Biology and Philosophy 2 (3):277-293 (1987)
  Copy   BIBTEX

Abstract

In this paper I distinguish various ways in which empirical claims about evolutionary and ecological models can be supported by data. I describe three basic factors bearing on confirmation of empirical claims: fit of the model to data; independent testing of various aspects of the model, and variety of evident. A brief description of the kinds of confirmation is followed by examples of each kind, drawn from a range of evolutionary and ecological theories. I conclude that the greater complexity and precision of my approach, as compared to, for instance, a Popperian approach, can facilitate detailed analysis and comparison of empirical claims.

Author's Profile

Elisabeth Lloyd
Indiana University, Bloomington

Analytics

Added to PP
2009-01-28

Downloads
739 (#27,602)

6 months
132 (#33,874)

Historical graph of downloads since first upload
This graph includes both downloads from PhilArchive and clicks on external links on PhilPapers.
How can I increase my downloads?