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The individualized niche: A case study in scientific conceptual change
Katie H Morrow1, Marie I Kaiser2
1Department of Philosophy, Bielefeld University, Postfach 100131, 33501 Bielefeld, Germany; Institute for Studies of Science (ISoS), Bielefeld University, Germany.
Scientific conceptual change, particularly the individualized niche concept, evolved adaptively for new research. Its current pluralistic nature may be neutral but offers flexibility across diverse biological contexts.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Philosophy of Science
Background:
- Scientific concepts evolve over time.
- Conceptual change can be driven by new research goals and empirical data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the causes and outcomes of scientific conceptual change.
- To introduce a framework for characterizing conceptual change.
- To apply this framework to the individualized niche concept.
Main Methods:
- Case study analysis of the individualized niche concept.
- Historical tracing of conceptual development.
- Framework application to contemporary research.
Main Results:
- The individualized niche concept developed adaptively from population niche thinking.
- Contemporary research shows pluralistic aspects of the individualized niche concept.
- Some pluralism may stem from neutral, non-epistemic reasons.
Conclusions:
- Conceptual change can be adaptive or neutral.
- The individualized niche concept's adaptive development met new research needs.
- Neutral pluralism in the individualized niche concept is unproblematic and potentially beneficial for broader application.
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