Another dispute in the metaphysics of biology that is fruitfully interpreted as a clash of rival metaphysical stances is that between punctuationism—the view that change in the natural world typically exemplifies a punctuational pattern, i.e. long-term stability occasionally punctuated by rapid, large-scale change—and gradualism—the view that change in the natural world is typically gradual, uniform, and incremental. These views find expression in different scientific theories, for instance punctuated equilibrium and Darwinian gradualism as theories of tempo and mode in evolution. But they are more general and abstract than those more specific, empirical theories. I will argue that if construed as factual claims, punctuationism and reductionism are demonstrably false. But if understood as metaphysical stances, their manifest value and importance in science can be vindicated and explained.