The Science of the Struggle for Existence
On the Foundations of Ecology

An examination of longstanding foundational controversies in the philosophy of ecology.

Gregory J. Cooper (Author)

9780521804325, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 27 October 2003

336 pages, 6 b/w illus.
22.9 x 15.2 x 2.2 cm, 0.66 kg

'Greg Cooper's [book] is a must read for those interested in the history and philosophy of ecology and in topics like laws of nature, scientific explanation, and mathematical modelling. If you want to explore some of the metaphysical and methodological challenges that face ecology, there is no better place to go … On every page there are interesting ideas presented but which are excitingly controversial … With important exceptions notwithstanding, ecology has been largely ignored by philosophers of biology (though not by historians). Cooper's book will I believe help remedy this situation. It is a great resource for struggling with the fascinating controversies in ecology and is thankfully controversial itself.' Biology and Philosophy

This book is a sustained examination of issues in the philosophy of ecology that have been a source of controversy since the emergence of ecology as an explicit scientific discipline. The controversies revolve around the idea of a balance of nature, the possibility of general ecological knowledge and the role of model-building in ecology. The Science of the Struggle for Existence is also a detailed treatment of these issues that incorporates both a comprehensive investigation of the relevant ecological literature and the development of an explicit theoretical framework in the philosophy of science. It addresses issues in the philosophy of ecology that are of particular importance for the deployment of ecology in the solution of environmental problems. It will have a cross-disciplinary appeal and will interest students and professionals in science, the philosophy of science, and environmental studies as well as policy-makers.

Introduction
Acknowledgements
1. The struggle for existence
2. The roots of controversy
3. Must there be a balance of nature?
4. The pursuit of ecological generality
5. Model building: a controversial craft
6. Theoretical explanation and fundamental laws
7. The explanatory continuum
8. Theories, models and explanatory tools
Epilogue
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Biology, life sciences [PS], Philosophy of science [PDA]