Generalization without universalization: Towards an agroecology theory. Issue 6 (3rd July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bell, Michael M; Bellon, Stéphane
• Is Part Of: Agroecology and sustainable food systems. Volume 42:Issue 6(2018)
• Page Start: 605
• Page End: 611
• Publication Date: 2018-07-03
• Subjects: Agroecology -- theory -- contextuality -- justice -- axiology; Sustainable agriculture -- Periodicals; Agricultural ecology -- Periodicals; 577.55
• DOI: 10.1080/21683565.2018.1432003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2168-3565

Abstract

ABSTRACT: We consider the question of whether agroecology can be said to have a theory, given its interdisciplinarity and transdisciplinarity. Based on the discussions from a workshop at the 2015 conference on The Agroecological Imagination: A Franco-American Exchange, we argue in the affirmative. But rather than understanding theory as universalistic generalized explanation, we argue that agroecological theory focuses on the consequences of context . Such a focus leads agroecologists to offer contextually sensitive principles of general relevance but not universal outcomes, and thus generalizing without universalizing. We conclude by arguing that a contextual approach leads agroecologists to think in terms of the philosophical triad of ontology, epistemology, and axiology, taking seriously a wide range of perspectives as well as questions of justice.