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Ecological Paradigms Lost
Routes of Theory Change
1st Edition, Volume 2 - July 26, 2005
Author: Beatrix Beisner
Editor: Kim Cuddington
Language: English
Paperback ISBN:9780120884599
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eBook ISBN:9780080457864
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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 Ecolog…Read more
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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
practicing ecologists, to philosophers of science, and to anyone interested in the history of ecology
Foreword
PREFACE
LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS
Chapter 1: WHY A HISTORY OF ECOLOGY? AN INTRODUCTION
Part I: Population ecology
Chapter 2: UNSTRUCTURED MODELS IN ECOLOGY: PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE
2.1 INTRODUCTION
2.2 THE BASIC (DETERMINISTIC) UNSTRUCTURED MODELS
2.3 SINGLE SPECIES
2.4 TWO SPECIES
2.5 MORE THAN TWO SPECIES
2.6 TIME SERIES AND MODEL FITTING
2.7 THE FUTURE OF UNSTRUCTURED MODELS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Chapter 3: UNSTRUCTURED POPULATION MODELS: DO POPULATION-LEVEL ASSUMPTIONS YIELD GENERAL THEORY?
3.1 INTRODUCTION
3.2 CORE THEORY OR LIMITING CASE?
3.3 DERIVING GENERAL POPULATION MODELS: STARTING WITH THE INDIVIDUAL
3.4 THREE CASE STUDIES
3.5 AN APPROPRIATE MODELLING FRAMEWORK: PHYSIOLOGICALLY STRUCTURED POPULATION MODELS
3.6 ON TESTABILITY
3.7 DISCUSSION AND CONCLUDING REMARKS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Chapter 4: THE “STRUCTURE” OF POPULATION ECOLOGY: PHILOSOPHICAL REFLECTIONS ON UNSTRUCTURED AND STRUCTURED MODELS
4.1 INTRODUCTION
4.2 MODELS, MODELS, AND MORE MODELS
4.3 REVISITING MODELLING TRADE-OFFS
4.4 GENERALITY?
4.5 REDUCTIONISM REDUX
4.6 STRUCTURAL PLURALISM
4.7 CONCLUSION
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Part II: Epidemiological ecology
Chapter 5: THE LAW OF MASS-ACTION IN EPIDEMIOLOGY: A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE