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Can we can use the patterns and processes of convergent evolution to make inferences about universal laws of life, on Earth and elsewhere In this book, Russell Powell investigates whether we can use the patterns and processes of convergent evolution to make inferences about universal laws of life, on Earth and elsewhere. Weaving together disparate philosophical and empirical threads, Powell offers the first detailed analysis of the interplay between contingency and convergence in macroevolution, as it relates to both complex life in general and cognitively complex life in particular. If the evolution of mind is not a historical accident, the product of convergence rather than contingency, then, Powell asks, is mind likely to be an evolutionarily important feature of any living world Stephen Jay Gould argued for the primacy of contingency in evolution. Gould's "radical contingency thesis" (RCT) has been challenged, but critics have largely failed to engage with its core claims and theoretical commitments. Powell fills this gap. He first examines convergent regularities at both temporal and phylogenetic depths, finding evidence that both vindicates and rebuffs Gould's argument for contingency. Powell follows this partial defense of the RCT with a substantive critique. Among the evolutionary outcomes that might defy the RCT, he argues, cognition is particularly important--not only for human-specific issues of the evolution of intelligence and consciousness but also for the large-scale ecological organization of macroscopic living worlds. Turning his attention to complex cognitive life, Powell considers what patterns of cognitive convergence tell us about the nature of mind, its evolution, and its place in the universe. If complex bodies are common in the universe, might complex minds be common as well.

Evolution (Biology) --- Convergence (Biology) --- Philosophy. --- Biology --- Phylogeny

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Religious tolerance --- Social conflict --- Ethnic conflict --- Freedom of religion --- War --- Terrorism --- Tolérance religieuse --- Conflits sociaux --- Conflits ethniques --- Liberté religieuse --- Guerre --- Terrorisme --- Religious aspects --- Aspect religieux --- RELIGIOUS CONFLICTS -- 301.18 --- SOCIAL COHESION -- 301.18 --- RELIGIOUS INTOLERANCE -- 572 --- RELIGION -- 572 --- RELIGIOUS CONFLICTS -- 572 --- SOCIAL COHESION -- 572 --- RELIGION -- 301.18 --- 291.7 --- 316.647.5 --- -Freedom of religion. --- -Acts of terrorism --- Attacks, Terrorist --- Global terrorism --- International terrorism --- Political terrorism --- Terror attacks --- Terrorist acts --- Terrorist attacks --- World terrorism --- Direct action --- Insurgency --- Political crimes and offenses --- Subversive activities --- Political violence --- Terror --- Freedom of worship --- Intolerance --- Liberty of religion --- Religious freedom --- Religious liberty --- Separation of church and state --- Freedom of expression --- Liberty --- Armed conflict (War) --- Conflict, Armed (War) --- Fighting --- Hostilities --- Wars --- International relations --- Military art and science --- Peace --- Acties op religieuze beweeggronden: godsdienstoorlogen; missiewerking; zending; fanatisme; religieuze propaganda; fundamentalisme --- Intolerantie. Tolerantie. Verdraagzaamheid --- Religious aspects. --- Law and legislation --- -Acties op religieuze beweeggronden: godsdienstoorlogen; missiewerking; zending; fanatisme; religieuze propaganda; fundamentalisme --- 316.647.5 Intolerantie. Tolerantie. Verdraagzaamheid --- 291.7 Acties op religieuze beweeggronden: godsdienstoorlogen; missiewerking; zending; fanatisme; religieuze propaganda; fundamentalisme --- -Freedom of religion --- Acts of terrorism --- Tolérance religieuse --- Liberté religieuse --- War (in religion, folk-lore, etc.) --- War and religion --- Religious militants --- Tolerance, Religious --- Toleration

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