Generality and Causal Interdependence in Ecology

Bibliographic Data

ID10705147
AuthorsAlkistis Elliott-Graves (0000-0002-5211-2229, corresponding author)
Year2018
Volume85
Issue5
Pages1102-1114
Publication date2018-12-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenuePhilosophy of Science (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0031-8248 • E-ISSN: 1539-767X
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1086/699698
OpenAlexW2804404777
LanguageEN
Citations received6
References cited34

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