Homology and logical fallacy

Abstract

The meaning of homology, is analyzed in a phylogenetic context. The notion of homology is unequivocal only if tied to recency of common ancestry, i.e. to the concept of monophyly. Processual analysis of the biological causes of similarity cannot provide guidance in the search for relations of homology. Instead, it is the reconstruction of the taxic hierarchy based on homology and congruence which provides guidance in the search for underlying causes of similarity. Pattern reconstruction is shown to have logical precedence over process explanations. Copyright © 1992, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved