The Structure of Evolutionary Theory blogging, chapter 4

Chapters read:1, 2, 3 and 4.

And so it goes on as I march through chapter 4 of The Structure of Evolutionary Theory, more of the same. Chapter 3 was a history of 19th century evolutionary thought viewed through the lens of the concept of hierarchies of selection. Though Stephen Jay Gould stayed on topic much of the time, it seems that on many an occasion the link of the exposition to the notional theme would become extremely tenuous as he followed a particularly fascinating tangent and the prose just snapped off the chain. In Chapter 4 Gould exhibits many of the same tendencies though the focus now shifts toward the dichotomy between functionalism and formalism; adaptation and structural constraint. But because of the relative clarity of the subject he manages to keep the eyes on the prize with greater discipline; and yet though the prose maintains greater focus it also lacks any clarity of deep insight. Like a middle volume in a epic trilogy the argument here seems to be setting the stage for later sallies and flanking maneuvers; the reader is treated to tentative exploration of the waters of banality. I have no great objections to the thrust of the tale be told, but I am left scratching my head as to why 90 pages are necessary to say what Gould says. Having read Peter J. Bowler's Monkey Trials and Gorilla Sermons and Evolution: The History of an Idea the pith of the argument in The Structure of Evolutionary Theory is almost entirely known to me (e.g., Gould's explanation of the complex attitude toward evolution evinced by the eminent anatomist Richard Owen was no revelation). I know that a la carte these chapters entail no need for the literary excess which riddles them, but I suspect that defenders of this reputedly brilliant work will claim the long build up cashes out in a stupendous climax which will leave me aghast at its audacity. We shall see, but after 341 pages, 1/4 of the narration, I've been treated to a nearly useless prologue and passable if self-indulgent history of science.