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Harvard Forest Symposium Abstract 2012

  • Title: Traceability and tractability of values: a mark of science-based conservation
  • Primary Author: Ayelet Shavit (Tel Hai Academic College - Israel)
  • Abstract:

    Empirical evidence is critical for natural science; replication is critical for obtaining such evidence, and replicating a visit to the same location at a different time is perhaps the most basic requirement for empirically tracking any ecological process. This philosophical study unfolds different, and in some cases mutually exclusive, practices and values for measuring 'space' and 'time' in LTER resurveys in Israel and at Harvard Forest. Based on observing and participating in routine scientists work, I argue that science-based conservation aims to trace its epistemic, social and moral values and thus become tractable for its audiences, unlike sentiment-based conservation. In other words, science-based generalizations are made in the service of preservation and transparency of values and sentiments rather than their elimination or opacity in sentimental-based generalizations. To conclude, I argue that there seems to be no justifiable way to decide whether and how to align with a sentiment-based generalization, even when the sentiment itself – e.g. preservation of wildlife – is sympathetic.

  • Research Category: Conservation and Management
    Historical and Retrospective Studies