Competence-based Theory of Evolution

The Competence-based Theory of Evolution is a comprehensive, non-Darwinian general theory of evolution. Its fundamental assumption – that all life is loss-of-competence-averse – can be justified by the second law of thermodynamics. In simple genetic organisms the theory is compatible with classical (Darwinian) biological evolution. Its range of application covers all domains of life: from cells and organisms to superorganisms, and from biology and the social sciences to evolutionary economics. First published 2024–2026 as a monograph, now available as an open-access preprint.