The Structure of Evolutionary Theory

a monumental work that reevaluates the foundations and development of Darwinian evolutionary theory. Gould, a renowned paleontologist and evolutionary biologist, offers a comprehensive synthesis of his life’s work, integrating paleontology, history, and theoretical biology to propose a revised framework for understanding evolution. At 1,433 pages, it’s both a scholarly treatise and a personal reflection, blending technical analysis with historical narrative.

Gould uses case studies, like the evolution of the horse (not a linear progression but a bushy pattern), to support his arguments, and includes 250 illustrations, from Darwin’s sketches to fossil diagrams.

Gould’s expanded theory challenges the gene-centric view of the Modern Synthesis, advocating a pluralistic approach that some (e.g., Richard Dawkins) argue dilutes natural selection’s primacy, potentially overemphasizing rare phenomena like punctuated equilibrium—fossil gaps might reflect preservation biases, not rapid change. His focus on contingency aligns with his broader philosophy (e.g., Wonderful Life), but critics note it risks underplaying predictable evolutionary patterns (e.g., convergent evolution in marsupials and placentals). The book’s length and dense prose, while rich, can overwhelm, with Gould’s tangents on history and philosophy (e.g., Darwin’s debt to Paley) sometimes overshadowing the science.