Generality and Causal Interdependence in Ecology

Dados Bibliográficos

ID10705147
AutoresAlkistis Elliott-Graves (0000-0002-5211-2229, autor correspondente)
Ano2018
Volume85
Fascículo5
Páginas1102-1114
Data de publicação2018-12-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoPhilosophy of Science (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0031-8248 • E-ISSN: 1539-767X
EditoraCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1086/699698
OpenAlexW2804404777
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas6
Referências citadas34

A hallmark of ecological research is dealing with complexity in the systems under investigation. One strategy is to diminish this complexity by constructing models and theories that are general. Alternatively, ecologists can constrain the scope of their generalizations to particular phenomena or types of systems. However, research employing the second strategy is often met with scathing criticism. I offer a theoretical argument in support of moderate generalizations in ecological research, based on the notions of interdependence and causal heterogeneity and their effect on the trade-off between generality and realism

Argument (complex analysis) · Biology · Criticism · Economics · Epistemology · Generality · Management science · Philosophy of science · Realism · Scope (computer science) · Sociology · Computer Science · Ecology · Ecosystem dynamics and resilience · Evolutionary Game Theory and Cooperation · Philosophy · Philosophy and History of Science · Psychology