Predetermined versus Probabilistic Epigenesis

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Abstract
Lerner (1980) claims Kitchener (1978) has not adequately distinguished the various uses of the concept of epigenesis, that multiple definitions of the concept exist in developmental biology and psychology, and that I have not adequately distinguished developmental description from explanation. I show that Lerner is confused about the description vs. explanation issue, that there are not multiple definitions of epigenesis in biology, that although there are such multiple definitions of epigenesis in developmental psychology, such uses are illegitimate and questionable. I then suggest that the real issue may not be over the biological properties of epigenesis but whether it is appropriate to alter and modify biological models to suit developmental psychology.

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