Visualizing Ecology

"Narrow specialization, mathematical abstraction and extensive reliance on elaborate instruments of measurement were all cited as causes for what was seen as the alienation of scientists – and mankind generally – from nature.” (18)

I don’t think that many people could argue against the statement that mankind has alienated itself from nature; how is the debate. Worster finds many reasons other than the ones quoted above, including Christianity, industrialism, and many other things. But these qualities of contemporary science, this need for white coat laboratory science that has been the alienation of the Arcadian view of nature that is needed to gain a complete understanding of its workings. As Worster has presented to us the truly inspiring works in natural sciences were the ones connected to place, that had meaning, understanding and emotion for the place of study, like White’s Selborne. As we see in contemporary ecology there is a need for “elaborate instruments of measurement” and “mathematical abstraction” to collect the needed data. This is an essential part of modern ecological practices, but there does still seem to prevail a romantic love of nature, beyond the imperial search for resources. Is it possible that there is a blend that can be found in the use of mechanistic methods to reach a holistic goal?