Erden, Zeki DorukFaltings, Boi2025-08-202025-08-202025-08-192025-07-1410.1145/3712255.3734320https://infoscience.epfl.ch/handle/20.500.14299/253249This article critically examines the foundational principles of contemporary AI methods, exploring the limitations that hinder its potential. We draw parallels between the modern AI landscape and the 20th-century Modern Synthesis in evolutionary biology, and highlight how advancements in evolutionary theory that augmented the Modern Synthesis, particularly those of Evolutionary Developmental Biology, offer insights that can inform a new design paradigm for AI. By synthesizing findings across AI and evolutionary theory, we propose a pathway to overcome existing limitations, enabling AI to achieve its aspirational goals.entext::conference output::conference proceedings::conference paper