Georg Simmel reflected intensively on the place of human beings in nature, developing a sociological perspective for observing natural and social changes that so far have been largely ignored. This article discusses Simmel’s theoretical starting point for observing the natural in contrast to the social. In his writings, Simmel became adept at moving back and forth between the two sides of observation - the natural and the cultural. The significance of his ideas is demonstrated by using current ecological field practices as an example.
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