ecology of practice

is a mode of inquiry for the philosophy of science which studies science that is concerned less with regimes of justification than with the ways different practices present themselves to one another.

In any event, the bulk of Science Wars is devoted to introducing Stengers' idea of an 'ecology of practices' as the recommended mode of inquiry for philosophy of science. An ecology of practices studies the complex and dynamic relationships among various modes of practice in and around science. The ecological/relational metaphor comes with an attendant focus not so much on the internal regimes of justification a focus common to much of philosophical/epistemological science studies but rather a focus on the ways different practices present themselves to one another. In Science Wars, this focus is most thoroughly investigated through Stengers' notion of 'reciprocal capture.' Stengers defines this as a 'symbiotic agreement' or a 'dual process of identity construction' (p. 36) wherein conflicting practices develop a mutually beneficial relationship. Much of the discussion of this concept focuses on the production of worth, so I understand reciprocal capture as a means whereby different practices reinforce the (perceived) value of one another. (That last sentence was definitely me free-lancing. I'm not quite sure Stengers would put it that way.)While the ecology of practices focuses on modes of presentation and justification among practices, it does not do so to the exclusion of issues within practices. ' http://sscottgraham.com/archives/188

ecology of practice, n.All

ecology of practice