Abstract
Scientific discourses are rhetorical constructs for interpreting, articulating, and coordinating the bits of information and knowledge produced by science. Discourses also help scientific communities promote and advocate particular strategies for action. A review of the literature on ecological integrity has led us to identify four scientific discourses: (1) Wilderness-Normative, (2) Systemic-Normative, (3) Ecosystemic-Pluralistic, and (4) Transpersonal-Collaborative. Each of these discourses differs in the conceptual definition of ecological integrity, the role of science, and the assumptions regarding human-ecosystem relationships. The TranspersonalCollaborative differs from the others in that it embraces the construction of personal and cultural meanings for ecological integrity. Each of the four discourses emphasizes different beliefs and worldviews, which, in turn, promote specific conservation practices. Acknowledging a diversity of discourses and recognizing personal commitments to particular discourses would increase the transparency of contextual decisions regarding the alternative conservation strategies suggested by different scientific communities.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 215-229 |
| Number of pages | 15 |
| Journal | Human Ecology Review |
| Volume | 11 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| State | Published - Dec 1 2004 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Collaborative learning
- Conservation discourses
- Ecological integrity
- Global environmental crisis
- Socio-ecological systems
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Geography, Planning and Development
- Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law