Multiple metaphors for a singular idea.

Abstract

The epigenetic landscape metaphor is evaluated in the light of the special properties of behavior and development. Although an integrated model of behavior and biology is essential for the science, two errors have been common. One has been to fix behavior as if it were structure and thereby rob it of its dynamic functions and plastic organization. A second has been to assume that a single optimal trajectory applies to the development of whole organisms or whole behavioral systems, regardless of context or behavioral component. In a reversal of biological reductionism, it is argued here that behavioral development is a leading edge for accommodation in ontogeny and adaptation in evolution. Some limitations of the developmental orientation are outlined, along with a proposal for extension to social patterns in humans.

Developmental Epidemiology

“…Recent longitudinal epidemiologic studies showed that a functional polymorphism in the gene encoding the neurotransmitter-metabolizing enzyme monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) moderated the effect of early maltreatment so that maltreated children, if they owned the allele conferring high levels of MAOA expression, were less likely to develop antisocial problems in adolescence Kim-Cohen et al, 2006). Thus, the concept of development used here (1) presupposes change and novelty, (2) underscores the importance of timing in behavioral establishment and organization, (3) emphasizes multiple determination, and (4) leads us not to expect invariant relationships between causes and outcomes across the span of development (Cacioppo & Tassinary, 1991;Cairns, 1991).…”

Racines sociostructurelles des statuts sociométriques chez les enfants en milieu scolaire

“…Dans son modèle écologique, Bronfenbrenner (1979Bronfenbrenner ( , 1993 propose que le développement de l'enfant soit considéré en fonction de son insertion sociale au sein de différents contextes ayant leurs propres caractéristiques. En effet, des études longitudinales de Cairns et ses collaborateurs (Cairns 1991;Cairns et Cairns 1994;Cairns, Perrin et Cairns, 1985) concluent que l'insertion sociale dans une clique affiliative particulière serait le meilleur indicateur de risque de dysfonctions psychologiques ou de graves conduites antisociales à l'adolescence et à l'âge adulte.…”

La teoría de la selección orgánica de Baldwin y la escisión entre naturaleza y cultura [Baldwin's organic selection theory and the nature/culture gap[

“…La distinción entre una lectura restringida y amplia corresponde a la distinción entre autores que se sitúan en el marco conceptual neodarwinista estricto (Simpson, 1953;Mayr, 1974;Hinton y Nowlan, 1987;Matsuda, 1987;Maynard-Smith, 1987;Chisholm, 1990;Cairns, 1991;Campbell, 1991;Turney y Whytley, 1996;Hall, 2001;Dennet, 1995Dennet, , 2003 y autores a los que, por su actitud crítica con este marco, podemos considerar como no neodarwinistas (Depew y Weber, 1995;Kull, 2000;Moore, 2002;Deacon, 1997Deacon, , 2003Depew, 2003; Hoffmeyer y Kull, 2003;Oyama, 2003;Weber, 2003). Ello no significa, desde luego, que estos últimos adopten versiones de la evolución de carácter creacionista, vitalista o pseudocientí-fico.…”