On the Foundations of the Theory of Evolution

In this paper we suggest an alternative to standard neodarwinian evolution theory. The problem is that Darwinism, which sees evolution as a consequence of random variation and natural selection is based on a materialistic i.e. matter-based view of science, while matter in itself is considered to be a very complex notion in modern physics. More specifically, on a microlevel, matter and energy are no longer retained within their simple form, and quantum mechanical models are proposed wherein potential form is considered in addition to actual form. We suggest that the starting point of evolution theory cannot be limited to actual variation whereupon is selected, but to variation in the potential of entities according to the context. We are developing formalism, referred to as ‘Context driven Actualization of Potential’ (CAP), which handles potentiality. CAP describes the evolution of entities as an actualization of potential which is defined by the context each instance of time. As in quantum mechanics, lack of knowledge of the entity, its context, or the interaction between context and entity leads to different forms of indeterminism in relation to the state of the entity. This indeterminism generates a non-Kolmogorovian distribution of probabilities that is different from the classical distribution of chance described by Darwinian evolution theory, which stems from a ‘actuality focused’, i.e. materialistic view of nature. In this paper we present a quantum evolution game that highlights the main differences, which stem from applying our new perspective. As a formal framework, CAP makes it possible to unite different aspects and perspectives on evolution. We conclude that it is more fundamental to consider evolution in general, and hence also biological evolution in specific, as a process of ‘context driven actualization of potential’, for which its material reduction is only a perspective.