Method in Ecology: Strategies for Conservation / Edition 1

by Kristin S. Shrader-Frechette, Earl D. McCoy

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521446938
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	09/30/1993
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	344
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 9.02(h) x 0.79(d)

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: what ecology can't do; 2. Ecological concepts are problematic; 3. Ecological theory is problematic; 4. Ecological science is value laden; 5. What ecology can do; 6. Ecology and a new account of rationality; 7. Objections: rationality in ecology; 8. A case study: the Florida panther; 9. Policy aspects of the Florida panther case; 10. Conclusions; References; Index.

Editorial 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

From the Publisher