Gould's Evolution Theory: Pray for ignorance.?

Question

Stephen J Gould made this statement concerning the theory of evolution: "...Thus, if you wish to understand patterns of long historical sequences, pray for randomness."

But random is not a property of evolution at all, it is a statement about our lack of knowledge. Consider the number sequence, 3, 8, 4, 6, 2, 6, 4, 3, 3, 8, 3, 2, 2, ... That sequence seems random but when I tell you that it is numbers from pi, the sequence is no longer random because you can now predict the next numbers. It was random as long as we were ignorance of the facts. So Gould is saying to understand evolution, pray for ignorance. Isn't there something fundamentally wrong with the TOE when we have to pray for ignorance?

You get better averages by actually throwing in more unknowns because the unknowns will tend to cancel each other out in an average but it then tells you less and less about the underlying process.

Answer 1

Why not be honest enough to give the full context of the quote?

"In ordinary English, a random event is one without order, predicatability or pattern. The word connotes disaggregation, falling apart, formless anarchy, and fear. Yet, ironically, the scientific sense of random conveys a precisely opposite set of associations. A phenomenon governed by chance yields maximal simplicity, order and predictability--at least in the long run. ... Thus, if you wish to understand patterns of long historical sequences, pray for randomness."

Gould S J Betting on chance -- and no fair peeking, in Eight Little Piggies,1993

It's from one of his just for fun essays for lay people - its not his scientific "Theory'. And it simply makes the point that true randomness helps in realizing scientific explanations for large scale phenomena. It refers to all science.

Read the essay.

Answer 2

Yes, evolving should mean progressively understanding more not less. Maybe what Gould really means is to understand patterns in history so that the past won't repeat itself. Randomness is at least better than predictable mistakes. The numbers for pi thing was a good example. But we shouldn't pray for ignorance, we should strive for knowledge toward further advancement.

Answer 3

In The Structure of Evolutionary Theory, a monumental labor of academic love, Stephen Jay Gould attempts to define and revise that framework. Using the clear metaphors and personable style he is so well known for, Gould outlines the foundation of the theory and attempts to use it to show that modern evolutionary biology has lost its way. He then offers his own system for reconciling Darwin's "basic logical commitments" with the critiques of modern scientists.


Gould's massive opus begs a new look at natural selection with the full weight of history behind it. His opponents will find much to criticize, and orthodox, reductionist Darwinists might feel that Gould has given them short shrift. But as an opening monologue for the new century's biological debates, The Structure of Evolutionary Theory sets a mountainous precedent in exhaustive scholarship, careful logic, and sheer reading pleasure. --Therese Littleton

try to read this:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Structure_of_Evolutionary_Theory

Answer 4

Randomness is simply being consistently inconsistent. It does not necessarily require ignorance/lack of knowledge.