Ecological Understanding: The Nature of Theory and the Theory of Nature
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Table of contents
- Cover
- Table of contentsv
- PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITIONvii
- PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITIONix
- Part I: Advancing the Discipline and Enhancing Applications1
- Chapter 1: Integration in Ecology3
- I. Overview3
- II. Ecological Advances and Diversity of Ecology3
- III. Progress via Integration13
- IV. Integration, Understanding, and Theory17
- V. What an Integrated Ecology Might Look Like26
- VI. Conclusions and Prospects30
- Chapter 2: Understanding in Ecology33
- I. Overview33
- II. The Nature of Scientific Understanding33
- III. Toward Understanding39
- IV. Conclusions and Prospects58
- Part II: The Nature of Theory59
- Chapter 3: The Anatomy of Theory61
- I. Overview61
- II. Theory and Its Conceptual Foundation61
- III. The Basic Conceptual Content of Theory64
- IV. Theory and Its Empirical Content70
- V. Theory and Its Derived Conceptual Content73
- VI. Theory Frameworks and Structure89
- VII. Conclusions and Prospects95
- Chapter 4: The Ontogeny of Theory97
- I. Overview97
- II. Why Theory Change Is Important97
- III. How Theories Change101
- IV. Theory Maturity113
- V. Conclusions and Prospects115
- Chapter 5: The Taxonomy of Theory116
- I. Overview116
- II. The Bases of Taxonomy116
- III. Understanding and Diversity of Theory121
- IV. Examples of the Classification of Theories and Models122
- V. Conclusions and Prospects125
- Part III: From Theory to Integration and Application127
- Chapter 6: Fundamental Questions: Changes in Understanding129
- I. Overview129
- II. Theory and Change in Understanding129
- III. Examples of Fundamental Questions138
- IV. All Fundamental Questions Are Not Created Equal141
- V. Where Do Radically New Theories Come From?144
- VI. Conclusions and Prospects145
- Chapter 7: Integration and Synthesis146
- I. Overview146
- II. Integration146
- III. Questions for Integration152
- IV. Radical Integration and Paradigms153
- V. Theory as a Constraint on Integration across Paradigms: New Fundamental Questions163
- VI. Theory as a Constraint on Integration across Paradigms165
- VII. Conclusions and Prospects167
- Part IV: Theory and Its Environment169
- Chapter 8: Constraint and Objectivity in Ecological Integration171
- I. Overview171
- II. Sociological Constraints on Integration171
- III. Societal Constraints on Integration175
- IV. Scientific Objectivity and Changes in Paradigm176
- V. Integration and Paradigms Affecting the Whole of Ecology179
- VI. Conclusions and Prospects185
- Chapter 9: Ecological Understanding and the Public187
- I. Overview187
- II. Scientific versus Public Concepts of Theory188
- III. Certainty and Belief in Science191
- IV. Judging Science in the Public Sphere195
- V. The State of Public Knowledge of Ecology199
- VI. Rights and Responsibilities in Ecological Understanding201
- VII. What It All Means205
- LITERATURE CITED207
- INDEX225
This widely anticipated revision of the groundbreaking book, Ecological Understanding, updates this crucial sourcebook of contemporary philosophical insights for practicing ecologists and graduate students in ecology and environmental studies. The second edition contains new ecological examples, an expanded array of conceptual diagrams and illustrations, new text boxes summarizing important points or defining key terms, and new reference to philosophical issues and controversies. Although the first edition was recognized for its clarity, this revision takes the opportunity to make the exposition of complex topics still clearer to readers without a philosophical background.
Readers will gain an understanding of the goals of science, the structure of theory, the kinds of theory relevant to ecology, the way that theory changes, what constitutes objectivity in contemporary science, and the role of paradigms and frameworks for synthesis within ecology and in integration with other disciplines. Finally, how theory can inform and anchor the public use of ecological knowledge in civic debates is laid out. This new edition refines the understanding of how the structure and change of theory can improve the growth and application of one of the 21st century’s key sciences.
· Explains the philosophical basis of ecology in plain English
· Contains chapter overviews and summaries
· Text boxes highlight key points, examples, or controversies
· Diagrams explain structure and development of theory, and integration
· Evaluates and relates paradgims in ecology
· Illustrates philosophical issues with classic and new ecological research
Readers will gain an understanding of the goals of science, the structure of theory, the kinds of theory relevant to ecology, the way that theory changes, what constitutes objectivity in contemporary science, and the role of paradigms and frameworks for synthesis within ecology and in integration with other disciplines. Finally, how theory can inform and anchor the public use of ecological knowledge in civic debates is laid out. This new edition refines the understanding of how the structure and change of theory can improve the growth and application of one of the 21st century’s key sciences.
· Explains the philosophical basis of ecology in plain English
· Contains chapter overviews and summaries
· Text boxes highlight key points, examples, or controversies
· Diagrams explain structure and development of theory, and integration
· Evaluates and relates paradgims in ecology
· Illustrates philosophical issues with classic and new ecological research