Ecological Paradigms Lost
Routes of Theory Change
Published on 23. August 2005
464 pages
978-0-08-045786-4 (ISBN)
Description
This edited volume in the Theoretical Ecology series addresses the historical development and evolution of theoretical ideas in the field of ecology. Not only does Ecological Paradigms Lost recount the history of the discipline by practitioners of the science of ecology, it includes commentary on these historical reflections by philosophers of science. Even though the theories discussed are, in many cases, are at the forefront of research, the language and approach make this material accessible to non-theoreticians. The book is structured in 5 major sections including population ecology, epidemiology, community ecology, evolutionary biology and ecosystem ecology. In each section a chapter by an eminent, experienced ecologist is complemented by analysis from a newer, cutting-edge researcher.
- Reflection on the past and future of ecology
- A historical overview of major ideas in the field of ecology
- Pairing of historical views by ecologists along with a philosophical commentary directed at the practicing scientists' views by a philosopher of science
- Historical analysis by practicing ecologists including anectodal experiences that are rarely recorded
- Based on a very popular symposium at the 2002 Ecological Society of America annual meeting in Tucson, AZ
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08/2005
Academic Press
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Content
1. Why a History of Ecology: An IntroductionBeatrix E. Beisner and Kim CuddingtonPart IPOPULATION ECOLOGY2. Unstructured Models in Ecology: Past, Present and Future 3.Unstructured population models: Do population-level assumptions yield general theory?4. The "Structure of Population Ecology: Philosophical Reflections on Unstructured and Structured ModelsPart IIEPIDEMIOLOGICAL ECOLOGY5. The Law of Mass Action in Epidemiology: A Historical Perspective 6. Extensions to Mass Action Mixing7. Mass Action and System Analysis of Infection TransmissionPart IIICOMMUNITY ECOLOGY8. Community Diversity and Stability: Changing Perspectives and Changing Definitions 9. Perspectives on Diversity, Structure and Stability10. Diversity and Stability: Theories, Models and DataPart IVEVOLUTIONARY ECOLOGY11. On the Integration of Community Ecology and Evolutionary Biology: Historical Perspectives and Current Prospects12. Modeling the ecological context of evolutionary change: déjà vu or something new?13. The Elusive SynthesisPart VECOSYSTEM ECOLOGY14. The Loss of Narrative15. Ecological Management: Control, Uncertainty and Understanding16. Is Ecosystem Management a Postmodern Science?Kevin de LaplantePart VICONCLUSION17. Kuhnian Paradigms Lost: Embracing the pluralism of ecological theory
