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Three project ideas to fill research gaps in Aldo-Leopold scholarship

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Abstract

Several important research questions in Aldo-Leopold scholarship await answers. These are (i) Did Leopold’s arresting image of a “fountain of energy” stimulate the first published energy-flow study in ecosystem ecology by Raymond Lindeman? (ii) By “beauty” in Leopold’s oft-quoted phrase “integrity, stability, and beauty,” does Leopold refer to ecosystem functionality? and (iii) Should Leopold’s forestry junket to Germany in 1935 raise concerns about Leopold’s possible sympathies with the racial and nationalist doctrines of the German National Socialist party, led by Adolph Hitler, who came to power in 1933? Answers to these questions will contribute to our further understanding and greater appreciation of Aldo Leopold’s scientific and philosophical legacy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA

    J. Baird Callicott

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  1. J. Baird Callicott
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Correspondence to J. Baird Callicott.

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Editor’s note: The journal Socio-Ecological Practice Research (SEPR) welcomes contributions that aim to address these questions and follow up on the project ideas outlined in this communication essay. This open invitation has no expiration date.

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Callicott, J.B. Three project ideas to fill research gaps in Aldo-Leopold scholarship. Socio Ecol Pract Res 4, 11–16 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42532-021-00102-6

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