Implementation as theory, hierarchy as transformation, homology as synapomorphy

Abstract

Presently cladistics is based on, and justified by, a computer implementation (Wagner Parsimony) rather than sound methodological or theoretical foundations. In this paper, the recent goals of cladistics that are derived from computer implementations and 'tree-thinking' are discussed. The discussion raises a critical point, namely whether one can dispense with these recent goals and adopt a wholly systematic approach, one herein termed systematic thinking. Copyright © 2013 Magnolia Press.