Method in Ecology

In this volume, the authors discuss what practical contributions ecology can and can't make in applied science and environmental problem solving. In the first section, they discuss conceptual problems that have often prevented the formulation and evaluation of powerful, precise, general theories, explain why island biogeography is still beset with controversy and examine the ways that science is value laden. In the second section, they describe how ecology can give us specific answers to practical environmental questions posed in individual case studies, and argue for a new way to look at scientific error. A case study using the Florida panther is examined in the light of these findings.

 Reviews:

"This book is a great achievement and should be read by everyone interested in ecology, environmental ethics, and environmental law. If we could assume familiarity with the claims and arguments in this book, the level of public debate about environmental policy would be significantly improved." Ethics

"...a timely book that will enliven many graduate seminars." R.H. Peters, Quarterly Review of Biology

• Frontmatter: Read PDF

  pp. i-vi

• Contents: Read PDF

  pp. vii-viii

• Acknowledgments: Read PDF

  pp. ix-x

• 1 - Introduction: What ecology can't do: Read PDF

  pp. 1-10

• 2 - Ecological concepts are problematic: Read PDF

  pp. 11-67

• 3 - Ecological theory is problematic: Read PDF

  pp. 68-79

• 4 - Ecological science is value laden: Read PDF

  pp. 80-105

• 5 - What ecology can do: The logic of case studies: Read PDF

  pp. 106-148

• 6 - Ecology and a new account of rationality: Read PDF

  pp. 149-169

• 7 - Objections to ethical rationality in ecology: Read PDF

  pp. 170-197

• 8 - A case study: The Florida panther: Read PDF

  pp. 198-239

• 9 - Policy aspects of the Florida-panther case: Read PDF

  pp. 240-278

• 10 - Conclusions: Read PDF

  pp. 279-288

• References: Read PDF

  pp. 289-315

• Name index: Read PDF

  pp. 316-321

• Subject index: Read PDF

  pp. 322-328

• Revisions (1993 printing): Read PDF

  pp. 329-330