Document: LAW-3-2-3

Proclaiming a new subdiscipline of ecology.

SLOBODKIN, L.*

Department of Ecology and Evolution, SUNY Stony Brook ¹

Abstract:
Convinced of the urgency of humanity's ecological predicament, eminent ecologists have pledged themselves to a role as political activists, thereby creating by declaration a new sub-discipline of ecology. If this sub-discipline is to be effective in its declared goals of saving humanity from ecological disaster, three basic questions must be answered. The answers require empirical information and philosophical analyses which are not usually considered by ecologists. Answers are needed in the next few decade. One: What legitimate claims can be made for the societal necessity of ecology? There are articulate opponents who deny all such claims, not all of whom have been answered with sufficient authority. Two: What are the objects of ecological research? Demonstration of the ontological status of such things as ecosystems and communities is vital if regulations are to be constructed. This is a philosophically important and intellectually difficult question. Three: Is there an independent theory of ecology, as there is a theory of chemistry physics or genetics, or is ecology a merely a phenomenological summary? This must be answered if ecology is to continue to exist as an independent discipline. There is a real possibility that other aspects of biology and geology can absorb the subject matter of ecology without any loss of effectiveness in dealing with important questions.

Keywords: urgency, legitimacy, new subdiscipline

This abstract is being presented at: 8:15 AM in session:
Symposium # 7: Thirty Questions for Ecology in the 21st Century.