Kineman, J. 1997. Theory of Autevolution
Abstract
The concept of autevolution was formed during a 1988 conference
on the Gaia hypothesis. Strong forms of Gaia and self-defining
systems are found to share an interdisciplinary worldview where
biological forms embody a source of novelty at the behavioral
(functional) level that can be causally active in both ecology
and evolution. This worldview requires, but nevertheless lacks,
a basis for non-deterministic innovation at the organism and system
level. A strong theoretical foundation may be found in quantum
physics, in the principle of observership, and recent confirmation
that quantum correlation can be magnified to macroscopic scale
within suitable structures.
The term autevolution, or “self-evolution,” is
proposed to refer to evolution of the experiential or perceptual
“self” and the role of that self in evolution. A corresponding
theory is proposed, which states that the biological evolution
of macroscopic quantum “observership” is the basis of
self-definition within living organisms, and that self-definition
evolves in a complimentarity relationship with form (special
case). The general case states that this process may significantly
influence the evolution and ecology of complex systems.
It is thus proposed that a quantum theoretical non-deterministic
worldview be adopted to unify the foundations of ecology and evolution,
and that a common theoretical basis for phenotypic creativity
be formalized. It is further proposed that the modern synthetic
theory of evolution be modified to include a second order influence
(with respect to deterministic processes) of organisms on their
environment. The basis for a scientific theory of autevolution
is suggested from the view that the creative property of life
is, in theory, a fundamental property of matter that has been
magnified through evolution. Evolutionary complementarity
between form and function involves an uncertainty principle analogous
to quantum uncertainty. Arguments are presented that such a theory
(and corresponding non-deterministic worldview) is needed to resolve
current paradoxes and inconsistencies in the foundations of ecology
and evolution.
The philosophical validity of autevolution is evaluated from basic
principles using six criteria for evaluating worldviews. An integrated
model for epistemological synthesis is presented emphasizing a
realist approach to theory development, paradox resolution, and
theory integration. This model offers a basis for evaluating revolutionary
worldviews and their consequent theories, such as that proposed
for autevolution. It also suggests an approach for understanding
the punctuated-stability nature of scientific progress in general,
and biological evolution through analogy with information.
Although autevolution and its implied worldview is found to be
epistemologically valid, present theoretical barriers, particularly
scientific compartmentalization, are found to be the main obstacles
to acceptance across disciplines. The remaining criteria for the
theory to meet are formalization and fruitfulness.
Some guidelines are provided to accomplish the former, and a computer
simulation of autevolution is suggested as an initial test. The
demonstration of fruitfulness depends first on such formalization.
Further development of these ideas may provide the basis for a
more general theory of autevolution dealing with system properties
involving evolutionary Gaia principles of self-organization, self-regulation,
cooperation, and coevolution.
Reprinted from: Kineman, John Jay. 1991. “Gaia: Hypothesis
or worldview?” Chapter 7 In: Schneider, S. H., and P. J.
Boston (eds). 1991. Scientists on Gaia. Papers delivered
at the American Geophysical Union’s annual Chapman Conference
in March, 1988. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press. 433p.
Please cite as: Kineman, John Jay. 1997. “Toward a special
and general theory of autevolution.” Boulder: Bear Mountain
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