Competition as a dominant concept in ecology: on the unity of science and ideology
Resumen
According to Kuhn’s model, Ecology is a case of “normal science” which accepts the central postulates of the Malthusian Darwinian paradigm concerning the imbalance between populations, and resources, and the competition established among organisms to obtain the largest amount of resources for their survival. Ecology’s discourse confer to competition a preponderant role, attempting to objectify its discourse through the construction of mathematical models. Concepts like “niche” and “competitive exclusion” reinforce this naturalization of competition, which has been compared to that existing among businessmen or sportsmen. Thus, by observing human society in a particular way that is extended to all species, Ecology may collaborate to make science an expression of ideology.
Key words: Competition, Ecology, ideology, paradigm, conceptual transference, niche, competitive exclusion, mathematical model.
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