Der Neodarwinismus als axiomatisierbares deduktives System und das Problem der Anpassung und Selektion

In the last decade numerous evolutionary models have been proposed and intensively discussed. Surprisingly, the logical analysis of these different hypotheses is not of great importance in this debate. As a matter of fact, Neodarwinism is a consistent deductive system which is based on few but wellconfirmed axioms. Hence, very often, precise statements and definitions of standpoint can be made. This is exemplified by some repeatedly discussed models concerning the problems of Darwinian »adaptation« and »natural selection« 1. Following the logic of the Neodarwinian theory, extinction can only be the result of overspecialization if some very unusual assumptions are made. 2. The hypothesis of »punctuated equilibrium« GOULD 1982), the »effect hypothesis« (VRBA 1983) and the stochastic evolutionary model SCHOPF 1979) include elements which are logically inconsistent with the »modern synthesis«; they could be »true« only if at least one of the neodarwinian axioms (so far not disproved) is negated.