Anthropological Critique

Great Essays
Anthropological Critique of the Journal Article ‘Anthropogenic Nutrients and Harmful Algae in Coastal Waters’ by Davidson et al. (2014)
Introduction (1/2 page)
With geological experts currently attempting to declare a new geological period, the Anthropocene, Humanistic-scientific spectrum (1 page)
The scientific and the humanistic perspectives form two contrasting approaches towards approaching research. Each approach is applicable in the appropriate situation. However, neither perspective is complete with regards to an appraisal of a situation (Herzfeld, 2000). When Davidson et al. (2014) conclude that “A link between anthropogenic nutrients and HABs is clear in some of the studies described above, but other examples demonstrate that this
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The holistic approach not only separates the interconnections of the constituents of a system; it also supports the understanding of the system as a whole. Nevertheless, reductionism itself possess some advantages. Reductionism can facilitate in clarifying the system, with regards to quantitative properties; however, it lacks the ability to obtain and understand the necessary qualitative theories. Additionally, reductionism does not afford a philosophical foundation for research and analysis purposes. Therefore, holism holds an advantage when contrasted with reductionism, specifically, owing to the intricacy, complexness, and interconnections within environmental systems. However, reductionistic and holistic approaches although often contrasted with one another are actually interdependent and complementary methods, which may prove beneficial when studying and making sense of complex phenomena. As each provides useful, but limited, information, which, when viewed as a whole, may fill in significant …show more content…
Thus, the results are resultant from a tempocentric view of time as well as an ethnocentric world-view (Crabbe, 2006). If this possibility is not considered, the assumption that there is a single characterization of time applies. Additionally, it enables the epistemological supremacy of research to go unopposed (Janca & Bullen, 2003). The consequences, potentially, could manifest in ineffective program and the marginalization of those most affected. In effect, the concept of ‘Temporal’ is the use of a historical perspective by organising and clarifying events in time. Whereas, ‘Tempocentric’ is the treatment of one’s own time period as enduring, the norm, or the best; failing to perceive how the past, or even the future, could be comparable. In this light Davidson et al. (2014) take a tempocentric, and even an ethnocentric, perspective in their

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