Reductionism,holism,and integrated approaches in biodiversity research

Abstract

It is widely appreciated today that research towards the conservation of biological diversity should transcend the boundaries of the traditional disciplines within the life sciences and between the life and the social sciences. However, experience shows that conceptual and methodological problems can arise in attempts to integrate the contributions of scientists working in different fields, for example in genetics and ecology. These problems are frequently discussed in the way of a generalised ‘reductionism’ versus ‘holism’ controversy. It is argued here that this discussion must be stripped of its ideological connotations because they obstruct the advancement of science. Instead, an integrated approach should be taken when dealing with complex systems such as communities of organisms in their natural habitats. By ‘integrated’ is meant a multi- or interdisciplinary approach that looks at complexity from different angles, with empirical methods combining various sciences. As is demonstrated, such an approach is necessary and compatible with both reductionist and holist assumptions, provided that these assumptions are based on logically sound arguments rather than ideology. The integrated approach will be exemplified by a novel research programme in Switzerland.