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evolutionary epistemology

any of a number of approaches to epistemology that seek to explain the origins and development of human knowledge in terms of biological, chiefly Darwinian, evolution. One form suggests that ideas and explanations evolve in a way analogous to the evolution of organisms; that is, they survive as they show themselves to be “fit,” or useful. Another form suggests that there is a literal biological origin of ideas and that certain ideas, such as the rules of logic, have enhanced the survival of those in whom they evolved: Thus, the ideas themselves tend to survive and take on importance.

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Psychology term of the day

January 24th 2025

antecedent variable

antecedent variable

any variable that precedes a response variable. For example, in regression analysis it is the independent variable, and in path analysis it is the variable beginning a chain of causal links. Compare consequent variable.