Fish and Wildlife Population Ecology - Dr. Edward O. Garton
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Ecological Understanding: The Nature of Theory and the Theory of Nature
Wlf 504 Sec 7
CRN: 65536
E. O. Garton
Spring 2011
Wed and Fri at 12:30-1:20 p.m. in CNR 203
Accelerated course finished by March 12.
What is the nature of scientific understanding?
How do scientists do “good science” to advance our understanding?
Pickett et al (2007, Ecological
Understanding: The Nature of Theory and the Theory of Nature, Academic
Press) suggest understanding “implies that questions about a phenomenon can be
answered by referring to certain patterns in nature, relationships among
entities and processes, and causes of the patterns and their differences.“ Our
understanding in ecology is summarized in the form of theories which Pickett et
al (2007) define as "a system of conceptual constructs that organizes and
explains the observable phenomena in a stated domain of interest."
They identify components of theory as domains, assumptions, concepts,
definitions, facts, confirmed generalizations, laws, models, translation modes,
hypotheses and a framework.
Almost 20 years ago R.H. Peters (1991,
A Critique for Ecology,
Cambridge Univ. Press) called the lack of predictive theory in ecology a crisis.
Ten years ago E. D. Ford (2000,
Scientific Method for Ecological Research, Cambridge Univ. Press) laid out a
roadmap for ecologists to advance ecological understanding.
Have we succeeded?
Our goal in this seminar will be to explore the advantages
of being explicit about these thought processes to help anyone undertaking
ecological research by beginning with a theoretical foundation on which to
construct predictions and testable hypotheses.
We will read and discuss Pickett et al.’s recent book
as well as selections from Peter's
(1991) and Ford's (2000) books
augmented by other interesting perspectives such as Kuhn’s The Structure of
Scientific Revolution, Lakatos’ Problem of Inductive Logic, etc.
Come join us for a lively discussion of theory in
ecological studies that will give you an opportunity to apply these ideas to
your own research.
Format:
11 discussions of chapters
from Pickett et al 2007 book and other readings.
Students, faculty and other participants will take turns leading
discussions on the readings.
Tentative Schedule: 1/12/11 - Oz Garton
Introductions and orientation R.H. Peters (1991), A Critique for Ecology, Cambridge Univ. Press). 1/28/11 - _______ Chapter 5.
The Taxonomy of Theory and Chapter 1from Kuhn
The
Structure of Scientific Revolution 2/2/11 - _______ Chapter 6.
Fundamental Questions: Changes in
Understanding 2/4/11 - _______ Chapter 7.
Integration and Synthesis
Integration. 2/11/11 - _______ Chapter 9. Ecological Understanding and the Public 2/16/11 - _______ chapter 5
in E. D. Ford (2000), Scientific Method
for Ecological Research, Cambridge Univ. Press. 2/23/11 -
_______ Student Presentation
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_______ Student Presentation 2/25/11 -
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