Evolvement

'Evolvement' is a term that I have coined elsewhere to refer to the formal structure of what is commonly meant by 'evolution', as well as to numerous isomorphic processes. 'Evolvement' is 'an increase in complexity', and 'Complexity' is 'a systematic relation between unity and multiplicity'. For example, a multi-cellular entity is more complex than a uni-cellular one; likewise, a bicycle and a quadrangle are more complex than a unicycle and a triangle, respectively. Evolvement is the process of such an increase in complexity, and it involves two complementary aspects--the introduction of a novel element and the integration of it into the given system. For example, the mere growth of opposing thumbs does not in itself constitute an Evolvement until the entity in question begins to use them, e. g. for holding or grabbing. Evolvement can be found not merely in Darwinian 'evolutionary leaps' but wherever the non-technical expression 'to evolve' is appropriate. Growth and learning are forms of Evolvement, as is the notion 'expanding horizons'. I explore some of the explanatory advantages of the notion elsewhere, including two that are relevant to standard debates within Evolutionary Theory. First, the concept 'survival' can be defined in Evolvemental terms, so an explanation of the relation between evolution and survival, usually presented as extrinsic, can now be formulated systematically. Second, Evolutionists have struggled to explain Ethics, but an Evolvemental theory of Ethics eliminates the awkwardness.