1. Scaffolds and scaffolding: an explanatory strategy in evolutionary biology.
- Author
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Neto, Celso, Meynell, Letitia, and Jones, Christopher T.
- Subjects
- *
DEVELOPMENTAL psychology , *BIOLOGY , *BIOLOGISTS , *PSYCHOLOGISTS - Abstract
In recent years, the explanatory term "scaffold" has been gaining prominence in evolutionary biology. This notion has a long history in other areas, in particular, developmental psychology. In this paper, we connect these two traditions and identify a specific type of explanatory strategy shared between them, namely scaffolding explanations. We offer a new definition of "scaffold" anchored in the explanatory practices of evolutionary biologists and developmental psychologists that has yet to be clearly articulated. We conclude by offering a systematic overview of the various dimensions of scaffolding explanations that further suggests both their usefulness and range of application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
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