Belgrade Philosophical Annual 35/01 2022 DOI 10.5937/BPA2235031J Andrej Jeftić Original Scientific Paper Institute for Philosophy and Social Theory UDC: 575.85:167/168 University of Belgrade 575.85 Гулд С. Џ. andrej.jeftic@ifdt.bg.ac.rs 575.85 Конвеј Морис С. CONTINGENCY AND CONVERGENCE IN THE THEORY OF EVOLUTION: STEPHEN JAY GOULD VS. SIMON CONWAY MORRIS Abstract: Debating the interpretation of the Burgess Shale fossil records, Stephen Jay Gould and Simon Conway Morris have formulated two conflicting theses regarding the nature of evolutionary processes. While Gould argued that evolution is essentially a contingent process whose outcomes are unpredictable, Conway Morris claimed that the omnipresence of convergence testifies that it is in fact deterministic, leading to predictable and inevitable outcomes. Their theses have been extensively researched from various perspectives. However, a systematic parallel analysis of the core arguments each of them offered in support of their thesis has been lacking. I argue Conway Morris has successfully exposed the core weaknesses of Gould’s thesis and offered a comprehensive account in favor of the major role of convergence in evolutionary history. On the other hand, I will point out some of the weak points in the latter’s arguments supporting the deterministic view of life’s evolution. Although Conway Morris has been more successful in arguing for the deterministic nature of the evolutionary processes, both theses could be improved if their shortcomings are taken into consideration. Keywords: evolution, contingency, convergence, Stephen Jay Gould, Simon Conway Morris’“. Introduction This paper analyzes arguments in favor of the contingent or convergent character of the historical path of life’s evolution on Earth as they were presented by two figures: Stephen Jay Gould and Simon Conway Morris. The role of contingency (Wong 2020; Hopster 2017; Ramsey and Pence 2016; Ćirković 2014) and that of convergence (Currie 2012; Losos 2011; Harmon et al. 2005; Futuyma 2010; Stayton 2015a, 2015b) in evolution has been discussed extensively in the literature. The way these factors were used to develop the contingency thesis as promoted by S. J. Gould (Blount, Lenski, and Losos 2018; McConwell 2019; Turner 2011; Dresow 2019; Beatty 2006a, 2006b) and the convergence thesis as promoted by S. Conway Morris, has also been researched. In addition, the debate between the two has been approached from different perspectives (Baron 2011; Bowler 1998; Baron 2009; Mcshea 1993). However,