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A Critique for Ecology

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title A Critique for Ecology
Authors and Contributors      By (author) Robert Henry Peters
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:384
Dimensions(mm): Height 228,Width 152
Category/GenreEcological science
Applied ecology
ISBN/Barcode 9780521395885
ClassificationsDewey:574.501 574.5 574.5/01
Audience
General
Tertiary Education (US: College)
Professional & Vocational
Illustrations 20 Tables, unspecified; 39 Line drawings, unspecified

Publishing Details

Publisher Cambridge University Press
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publication Date 26 July 1991
Publication Country United Kingdom

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