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Biology and philosophy in Yellowstone

Date

1990

Authors

Rolston, Holmes, 1932-, author
D. Reidel Pub. Co., publisher

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Abstract

Yellowstone National Park poses critical issues in biology and philosophy. Among these are (1) how to value nature, especially at the ecosystem level, and whether to let nature take its course or employ hands-on scientific management; (2) the meaning of "natural" as this operates in park policy; (3) establishing biological claims on the scale of regional systems; (4) the interplay of natural and cultural history, involving both native and European Americans; (5) and sociopolitical forces as determinants in biological discovery. Alston Chase's strident Playing God in Yellowstone is criticized and used as a test of David Hull's naturalistic philosophy of biology. Biology and philosophy in Yellowstone ought to combine for an appropriate environmental ethic.

Description

Includes bibliographical references (pages 257-258).

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Subject

natural resource policy
ecosystem analysis
natural regulation
valuing nature
Yellowstone
national parks
philosophy of biology
environmental ethics

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