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A Critique for Ecology
Paperback / softback
Main Details
Title |
A Critique for Ecology
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Authors and Contributors |
By (author) Robert Henry Peters
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Physical Properties |
Format:Paperback / softback | Pages:384 | Dimensions(mm): Height 228,Width 152 |
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Category/Genre | Ecological science Applied ecology |
ISBN/Barcode |
9780521395885
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Classifications | Dewey:574.501 574.5 574.5/01 |
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Audience | General | Tertiary Education (US: College) | Professional & Vocational | |
Illustrations |
20 Tables, unspecified; 39 Line drawings, unspecified
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Publishing Details |
Publisher |
Cambridge University Press
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Imprint |
Cambridge University Press
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Publication Date |
26 July 1991 |
Publication Country |
United Kingdom
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Description
This book offers a critique of contemporary ecology, which could be applied to any discipline. Author Peters contends that science is a device to offer information about nature through predictions, but that a substantial part of ecology cannot be science because it provides no concrete information and much of the rest of ecology provides data of such poor quality that it can only be called soft science. Although instances of these deficiencies have often been identified, the pervasiveness of the problem has not been fully acknowledged, nor have the similarities among different problem areas been appreciated. If ecology and environmental science are to grow to meet the needs of the present decade and next millennium, scientists in these fields will need much more acute critical abilities than they have yet demonstrated. Professor Peters argues specifically that a return to simple questions of fact, to observations, and to questions of general relevance to science and society can make ecology a useful, practical, and informative science, which is desperately needed to meet the problems of our age. This thought-provoking and perhaps controversial book will be of particular interest to ecologists, but all scientists, from undergraduates to senior academics and professionals, can benefit from reading it.
Reviews'To conclude, despite the hurt feelings this book might engender, it should be read by all ecologists and especially students contemplating a career in ecology. Like it or not Peters scores some good points and we better not ignore them.' Gerard J. Fitzgerald, Ethology, Ecology and Evolution
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