From newshub.ccs.yorku.ca!torn!cs.utexas.edu!usc!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!darwin.sura.net!haven.umd.edu!uunet!trwacs!erwin Fri Sep  4 09:41:09 EDT 1992
Article 6711 of comp.ai.philosophy:
Path: newshub.ccs.yorku.ca!torn!cs.utexas.edu!usc!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!darwin.sura.net!haven.umd.edu!uunet!trwacs!erwin
>From: erwin@trwacs.fp.trw.com (Harry Erwin)
Newsgroups: comp.ai.philosophy
Subject: Re: Development of Complex Structures
Message-ID: <710@trwacs.fp.trw.com>
Date: 27 Aug 92 15:46:03 GMT
References: <1992Aug18.161151.12316@mp.cs.niu.edu> <1992Aug18.181021.14352@sequent.com> <915@tdat.teradata.COM> <1992Aug20.153436.4779@u.washington.edu> <942@tdat.teradata.COM>
Organization: TRW Systems Division, Fairfax VA
Lines: 23

A question brought up is whether a complex structure can evolve without
some use. 

Darwinian paradigm: The evolution of a complex structure requires a
fitness advantage to overcome the cost of generating the complex
structure. Single-gene mutations producing a complex structure can be
imagined, but only in the context of a gene with a significant involvement
in development. Most such mutations will be highly deleterious, so those
portions of the genome will be protected against mutation. Hence the
probability will be extremely small. Multiple simultaneous mutations are
even less likely.

Cultural paradigm: Innovation for innovation's sake occurs in modern human
societies, probably because a much higher proportion of the innovations
invented are advantageous. Ditto for complex innovations. Complex
structures in cultures can evolve without a direct use, particularly if
innovativeness is rewarded.


-- 
Harry Erwin
Internet: erwin@trwacs.fp.trw.com



