Scientists often decry speculative hypotheses. But Adrian argues that speculation is very important for driving scientific progress - particularly for sciences like paleontology!
Read MoreWelcome to Extinct!
Extinct, the philosophy of palaeontology blog, is now (and perhaps ironically) live! Thank you for visiting; we sincerely hope that you find our offerings insightful and enjoyable.
For our site launch, each of our four editors has prepared an introductory essay. These essays have all been posted simultaneously so that readers have the opportunity to "meet" us all at the same time. Our next update will come in one week, on Monday, 11 January 2016.
Starting next week, Extinct will update more regularly with essays posted each Monday. In addition to contributions from the regulars (Leonard, Joyce, Derek & Adrian), we will post occasional essays by guest authors. Please also keep an eye on our News section, which will begin updating very soon.
Thank you again for visiting. We hope that you'll join us in going Extinct again!
New to all this? Don't worry—I am too.
Calling all newcomers to the philosophy of paleontology.
Read MoreAgainst Simple Stories.
Against Simple Stories: Adrian Currie argues that although simple explanations are tempting, often the world's complexity requires that we also value complexity in our explanations.
Read More"Plus ca Change" and the Importance of Going Extinct
Understanding evolutionary history may involve a shift of focus to the species level, where the question that really matters is: who goes extinct?
Read MoreTryin' To Throw Your Arms Around the World
An ode to AMNH 5027--the world's most famous T. rex skeleton--on its centennial birthday, including some thoughts on novelty.
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