The Philosophy of Ecology: From Science to Synthesis

Book Description

We look to ecologists for many things, from accurate descriptions of natural systems to guidance on our proper relationships to them. Yet ecologists often disagree on matters that affect their own field's basic philosophical underpinnings. This international gathering of twenty-three seminal readings both illustrates the range of philosophical approaches available to ecologists and provides a basis for understanding the thinking on which many of today's environmental ideas are founded.

Opening with a general introduction to the challenges of defining scientific ecology, tracing its genealogy, and distinguishing the science from various forms of "ecological-like" thinking, the volume is organized into thematic sections. Issues covered include the ontology of ecological entities and processes; selected concepts of community, stability, diversity, and niche; the methodology of ecology (rationalism and empiricism, reductionism and holism); and the significance of evolutionary law for ecological science.

This is the first introductory anthology on the philosophy of ecology edited by an ecologist and a philosopher. It makes a powerful statement on the value of ecological knowledge and thinking in alleviating the many problems of modern industrial civilization.

Customer Reviews:

Thorough yet accessible--a quality survey of its subject.......2006-04-18

This book is the only one I found on Philosophy of Ecology in general, and it is quality. The editors include many authors from many time periods to gather the discourse on ecology's biggest questions. I highly recommend it for scientists and others alike, because what we think about the nature of the world influences how we act in and on it. I checked it out from the library but I'm going to buy it as a staple in my referece library--it's that good.

Very important book!.......2005-10-19

This is one of the best books in the field of ecological sciences. Nowadays, there are few ecologists who use the 'search light' approach (sensu Popper). Theory is considered a secondary issue by the many people of the present generation, who think that a real ecologist should just "go to the field and describe what he sees there" (the 'bucket approach').

However, without a deep knowledge of the ideas, hypotheses, theories and history of Ecology, a researcher is unable to properly test knowledge, do valid generalizations, and thus contribute to the advancement of the field. This book provides an excellent 'Epistemology of Ecology', and together with McInstosh's "Background of Ecology" should be read by every student in the undergrad course, and also by professionals.

Perspectives Emerging.......2001-02-24

It may come as a surprise to many who first encounter this book that the science of ecology might have anything to contribute to philosophy in general -- this, despite the fact that popular notions of ecology are in the forefront of the search for new directions, be they in the guise of the "Deep Ecology" of Arne Naess, or the "Web of Life" advanced by Frijthof Capra. But scientific perspectives unique to ecology are arising, and making connections between ecological outlooks and how nature generally is perceived is the primary goal of this book -- as stated in its subtitle.

No dominant ecological perspective has yet emerged, but Keller and Golley do an excellent job of sampling the various issues. For example, Part One includes five papers that take sides on whether one should emphasize the entities in ecosystems (the Eleatic approach) or concentrate on the processes that are occurring (the Milesian stance.) Part Three presents the debate between the rational and the empirical approaches to ecology; Part Four between reductionism and holism; and the final section gives consideration to what ties (if any) should exist between contemporary evolutionary theory and ecosystems science.

I have used the volume (in early manuscript form) as the primary text for a graduate seminar I taught last year on "Philosophical Issues in Ecology" at the University of Maryland. Most students in the seminar were amazed to discover that philosophical issues have a history within the scientific practice of ecology, and they found the chapters of the book to be well- chosen illustrations of the various attitudes now vying for a permanent place in the evolving philosophy of ecology.

I was quite impressed by how the editors were able to winnow down the component papers to their most essential elements and by how the publisher was able to put this volume on the street at a price that is affordable to the typical graduate student. I foresee a significant potential for this compendium as a textbook and as a catalyst for initiating productive debate on issues that address not only ancient philosophical abstractions, but affect our attitudes towards urgent contemporary problems as well.

Book Description

*As seen in Asuka Comics along side such popular titles as X/1999, D.N.Angel and Legal Drug *Kasane Katsumoto's work has been published in Asuka, Asuka Mystery DX, Shojo Teikoku, and shonen-ai magazine Ciel *Adapted by Lianne Sentar (Sailor Moon & Saiyuki)

Kotarou is totally stoked that basketball season has started and he can now fulfill his hoop dreams. Things look even brighter for Kotarou as he meets Mio, a beautiful upperclassman who's got the hots for Kotarou. Unfortunately he also meets Chiba, Mio's devious protector. With trouble afoot, Tatsuki and Yuuto must use their ESP to make sure there is no foul play!

Customer Reviews:

Completely smitten!.......2006-09-16

I've just finished reading the "Hands Off!" manga 1 and 2 and boy, do I love it or what? *sparkles*

First thing first though. "Hands Off!" is not a yaoi manga. It's not even shounen-ai. It depicts the story of three high school boys: the blond Kotarou with the girly face, the womanizer Yuuto and the morose Tatsuki. The manga is about their friendship and about the cases they solve thanks to their supernatural abilities. Yuuto can see people's aura, Tatsuki can see the past and Kotaru... well, his ability hasn't been revealed as of yet but it has something to do with his touch.

Thanks to the ESP aspect of this manga, a lot of people compare it to "Eerie Queerie" but it's NOT "EQ". Although this manga can be humorous too, it's not your bouncy, giggly "EQ" stuff. These boys solve real cases: murders, kidnapping etc. etc. They catch real baddies and they get hurt. A lot. Especially Tatsuki, but about that later. So, if you thought that "EQ" was a bit too fluffy but you liked the theme, then I think you will love "Hands Off!"

And now to the characters. You can say that they are rather stereotypical. Kotaru is the blond bishie boy who gets himself kidnapped and molested and goes through all the misery that befalls pretty boys in manga. But he is not your usual sweet material. No, he is as bad tempered as any other boy that has been mistaken for a girl one time too many. But his only desire is to find a girlfriend. And that's why his character always clashes with Yuuto's, who is rather laid back but considers "fidelity" a bad word. He loves to tease Kotaru and embarrass him through pretending that they are "special friends". But he likes the boy very much and is always ready to help him out, be it with thugs or girl-related problems. And then there is the third boy, the morose Tatsuki, Kotaro's cousin, who is withdrawn and mostly rude, though he risks his life to protect Kotaru. He likes Kotaro very much but it was Kotaro's touch that had awaken his special ability in him. And whenever Kotaro touches him, this ability grows more pronounced and that drives Tatsuki on the verge of madness. And that is the reason why he tries not to get close to his cousin and keeps driving a wedge between them.

Even though Kotaro is your standard uke boy, it's obvious that it's Tatsuki whom the author loves best. There isn't a story in which he wouldn't get hurt protecting Kotaro or wouldn't suffer silently. Only Yuuto knows what Tatsuki feels since he can see his aura which reflects his mood. And just as a side note - I love Tatsuki best too! XP

But it hadn't been just the characters that drew my attention to this manga. The cases they solve are mighty interesting too. The boys usually find themselves right in the middle of the whole thing without actually knowing how but they always get their man. Although for Tatsuki, it's rather complicated to explain how he knows things because he has never told anybody about his ability.

Oh, and the drawings are truly excellent too. It's not just the style of the manga, the cover looks fantastic too. When you touch it, it feels a bit like plastic and the picture is done in this glossy way, so there are two textures on the cover. Great! Yeah, details, I know XD

So, if you look for a manga with a fast plot, likable characters and you don't mind the fact that it's not yaoi, then this manga is something for you. I would give it 4,5 stars out of five and the fact that I've immediately ordered all the other available volumes should tell you something...

I Love Hands Off!.......2006-04-05

Hands Off! is one of the best manga I've ever read. It keeps you wanting more and get's better with each volume. I have fallen in love with the characters and the story. Tatsuki, Kotarou, and Yuuto are total hotties and they each have disticnt personality's that you can't help, but love. I love this manga and I can't wait to find out what happens next.

The connections deepen.......2006-02-08

This is not my favorite book in the series but it is definetly a good one! The connection of Kotaru (exuse me if I spell there names wrong!)and Tatsuki it just gets deeper. I haven't read it recently but I remember that much. The bond of friendship binds them all along with some new friends. So read it and enjoy.

TATSUKIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!.......2005-07-04

This is the best manga series that i have read to date. the only slightly annoying thing about this series is the fact that if Tatsuki and his cousin were actually to fall in love, it would be incest. thankfully, and depressingly, i doubt they will so i'm pretty sure we're ok there. The art work in this book is very well done and for those of us who wish they had a guy following us around to save us from all the stupid problems we created our selves,i wish to say "wow, this is just what i imagined being liked would be like!" all obsessions aside this is a good series because i goes in depth into a really sad story of two cousins who want to be there for each other, and fight fate and pesky supernatural abilities to do it.

please read it, you'll be glad you did.

One of the best mangas!.......2005-06-14

This is one of the best mangas ive ever read. A great plot, hilarious characters, and crazy problems.

Marvel Team-up: Featuring Spiderman and the Ghost Rider: Good Lord! I'll Never Stop This Train in Time! Spider-man! Reach Out, Grab My Hand, or You've Had It! No! Get Off the Tracks, Before You're Killed Too! It's Too Late for Me! Too Late! (2015N02147, Vol. 1, No. 15, November 1973)

Average customer rating:

Marvel Team-up: Featuring Spiderman and the Ghost Rider: Good Lord! I'll Never Stop This Train in Time! Spider-man! Reach Out, Grab My Hand, or You've Had It! No! Get Off the Tracks, Before You're Killed Too! It's Too Late for Me! Too Late! (2015N02147, Vol. 1, No. 15, November 1973)
Stan Lee , and Len Wein
Manufacturer: Marvel Comics Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Comic

General | Comic Strips | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

Marvel | Publishers | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

Spider-Man | Characters | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0214720152

Book Description

Standing at the intersection of evolutionary biology and feminist theory is a large audience interested in the questions one field raises for the other. Have evolutionary biologists worked largely or strictly within a masculine paradigm, seeing males as evolving and females as merely reacting passively or carried along with the tide? Would our view of nature `red in tooth in claw' be different if women had played a larger role in the creation of evolutionary theory and through education in its transmission to younger generations? Is there any such thing as a feminist science or feminist methodology? For feminists, does any kind of biological determinism undermine their contention that gender roles purely constructed, not inherent in the human species? Does the study of animals have anything to say to those preoccupied with the evolution and behavior of humans? All these questions and many more are addressed by this book, whose contributing authors include leading scholars in both feminism and evolutionary biology. Bound to be controversial, this book is addressed to evolutionary biologists and to feminists and to the large number of people interested in women's studies.

Book Description

In classical Newtonian mechanics, equations and formulas never change form. The same cannot be said about equations and formulas of electromagnetic theory, which often change form when converted from one system of units to another. Douglas Cohen provides exactly what the technical professional needs: a thorough explanation of how to convert electromagnetic equations from one system of units to another.

Average customer rating:

An excellent outdoor adventure novel.

A fine tale of gentlemen poachers

"I say old chap! How Jolly!"

A ripping yarn. A fun read with intrigue and suspense.

John Macnab
John Buchan
Manufacturer: Dodo Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
General | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Prester John

Huntingtower

The Four Adventures of Richard Hannay: The Thirty-Nine Steps/Greenmantle/Mr. Standfast/the Three Hostages

Castle Gay

The Island of Sheep

ASIN: 1406501298

Customer Reviews:

An excellent outdoor adventure novel........1999-04-02

John Buchan's book John MacNab is set in the highlands of Scotland. The three main characters, one a Cabinet minister, another a banker and the last an Attorney-General, are all suffering from boredom which they can only cure by doing something dangerous and difficult. Deciding to try to poach a salmon and two stags in a limited amount of time, risking reputation and a fine, as well as rough handling, they are cured of boredom. An excellent book for anyone who enjoys outdoor adventure novels.

A fine tale of gentlemen poachers.......1998-11-30

"John MacNab" recounts the glorious story of three bored gentlemen, who one summer in the 1930's, decide to poach salmon and deer from three neighbouring sporting estates. Buchan, a native Scot, beautifully describes the landscapes and characters involved in this wild plan. Enjoyable from beginning to end.

"I say old chap! How Jolly!".......1998-10-17

I read this immediately after reading "The Thirty-Nine Steps" and found "John Macnab" the more enjoyable of the two. Buchan does a great job of describing the Scottish landscape but, in what I suppose is a case of art imitating life, I couldn't help seeing the characters as actors in an old b/w English movie! It made me want to read more about gillies and game-keepers so my next book was "Lady Chatterly's Lover"! I say!

A ripping yarn. A fun read with intrigue and suspense........1998-06-18

People who like John Buchan's work will enjoy this adventure. John McNab has the suspense of the Hannay series but with the lightheatedness of an adventure. Three friends meet in the highlands of Scotland and set themselves each a challenge to poach trophy wildlife from the laird. They advise the laird what they will poach and when, in letters signed "John McNab". The laird takes up the challenge to catch the ficticious John McNab before he can carry out the warned of task.

Average customer rating:

The New John McNab(s)
Light Highland Yarn
Scottish Yarn
Go poaching and change your life

The Return of John Macnab
Andrew Greig
Manufacturer: Trafalgar Square Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

John Macnab

ASIN: 0747253536

Customer Reviews:

The New John McNab(s).......2003-03-05

For those of you who have read the original John Buchan this book is a wonderful treat. It has the same pace as the original and the description of the hills is equally accurate. While it has the same flavour of the original, it takes place in modern day Scotland with a wonderful set of characters. The story line is similar to the original, but difeerent enough to keep your attention. A definite read for those suffering from the "ennui"!

Light Highland Yarn.......2000-11-28

Greig has an incredible facility with language - he's actually a poet - and this, like his earlier book, The Electric Brae is beautifully and fluently crafted.

In contrast to his first novel, it's a much lighter more entertaining read set in the Scottish Highlands and harking back to John Buchan's original. Not massively serious, but what used to be called a damn good yarn.

If you want something with bigger, darker teeth try the Electric Brae. It doesn't seem to be listed on amazon.com, but it should be at amazon.co.uk and is simply one of the most amazing books I've read, full stop.

Scottish Yarn.......2000-07-16

This is an epic yarn, set in the Highlands of Scotland. It makes great summer reading and is full of good escapades. It is a fitting tribute to those that inspired this tale - whose lives were always filled with adventure or dreams of it.

Go poaching and change your life.......1999-08-12

This is a wonderful read if you're a bit down and bored. That's how the central characters feel until they take on the poaching wager from John Buchan's book 'John Macnab' and decide to do it for real. Very soon they're twigged by the wonderful Kirsty, an alarming, irresistible, inventive character on the run from her past. Then the action really starts. It's all set in three Scottish Highland estates, including the Royal one at Balmoral. The writer clearly knows his highlands, and poaching, and the hearts of men and women. It's exhilarating, uplifting, way beyond any pastiche of the rather stiff and dates Buchan yarn. In fact, it's an affectionate critique of it. Read this and join the adventure!

Average customer rating:

The Alien-spotter's Handbook
Ed MacNab , Brian Howard-Heaton , and John Higgins
Manufacturer: HarperCollins Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Average customer rating:

Allan Napier MacNab (The Canadians)
John M Bassett
Manufacturer: Fitzhenry & Whiteside
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Canada | History & Historical Fiction | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | History & Historical Fiction | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Average customer rating:

Educ of a Doctor
Benjamin white
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Medicine | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0671210173

Average customer rating:

The Education of a Doctor.
John. Macnab
Manufacturer: Simon and Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000L2EX00

Average customer rating:

John MacNab
John Buchan
Manufacturer: HOUGHTON MIFFIN COMPANY
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000GLMZWY

Average customer rating:

John Macnab
John Buchan
Manufacturer: NELSON
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000OKJO44

Average customer rating:

John Macnab, by John Buchan
John (1875-1940) Buchan
Manufacturer: Boston and New York, Houghton Mifflin company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000WVNPBI

Average customer rating:

best ever written book about back pain

Macnab's Backache
Ian MacNab , John McCulloch , and Ensor Transfeldt
Manufacturer: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Backache | Disorders & Diseases | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Physical Therapy | Allied Health Professions | Medicine | Subjects | Books

Chiropractic | Alternative & Holistic | Medicine | Subjects | Books

General | Medicine | Subjects | Books

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation | Specialties | Medicine | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 0683057979

Customer Reviews:

best ever written book about back pain.......2000-11-08

exellent book,all chapters very well written. Everybody who works with patients with back problems must have one(surgeons and non- surgeons.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books