<DIV>This is the first introductory anthology on the philosophy of ecology edited by an ecologist and a philosopher. It 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. Collectively, these seminal readings make a powerful statement on the value of ecological knowledge and thinking in alleviating the many problems of modern industrial civilization.<BR><br> Issues covered include:</div> <ul> <li>the challenges of defining scientific ecology, tracing its genealogy, and distinguishing the science from various forms of "ecological-like" thinking</li> <li>the ontology of ecological entities and processes</li> <li>selected concepts of community, stability, diversity, and niche</li> <li>the methodology of ecology (rationalism and empiricism, reductionism and holism)</li> <li>the significance of evolutionary law for ecological science</li> </ul>