Ecology, values, and objectivity: Advancing the debate

Wallington, T.J. and Moore, S.A. (2005) Ecology, values, and objectivity: Advancing the debate. BioScience, 55 (10). pp. 873-878.

Abstract

We add to current discussions about the interface between ecology, values, and objectivity by reporting on a novel Delphi-based study of the scientific reasoning employed by a group of eight ecologists as they collectively considered current ecological thinking. We rely on contextual empiricism, with its features of multiple ways of relating theory to reality and science as a social activity, to provide a richer understanding of scientific objectivity. This understanding recognizes the place and contributions of values and, in so doing, moves the discussion beyond whether or not science is "value neutral."

Publication Type:	Journal Article
Murdoch Affiliation:	School of Environmental Science
Publisher:	American Institute of Biological Sciences
Copyright:	© 2005 American Institute of Biological Sciences
URI:	http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/1744

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