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How Do You Measure What You Can't See?

By Alan Burdick
April-June 2006 (Vol. 7, No. 2)

Note: see print edition for article

Discussion Questions
  1. This is an essay. Essays are intended to stimulate thought and discussion. What exactly is the author's opinion? What examples does the author provide to support his essay? Do you believe him?

  2. What does the concept of uncertainty mean to you? How do scientists handle uncertainty in their measurements, inferences? What aspects of the training of scientists teach them to distrust their own measurements?

  3. The human being, says the author, has a "restless, inquisitive mind," constantly attempting to make sense of Nature–"the unruly physical world." Do you believe it is only humans who do this, or do all animals do this within the context of their cognitive capabilities and life history needs? What are some good examples of animal (non-human) cognition?

  4. Burdick's "inside/outside" dualism may reinforce views about humans and nature that have roots in Western philosophy. What are some of the philosophical antecedents the author may be pulling from?

  5. The author has an academic background in the history and philosophy of science, and is a science journalist. Are you a scientist, philosopher, or journalist? Can you name two or three philosophers who have contributed to the movement to conserve biodiversity? What do you think of journalism? How can journalism help biodiversity conservation?

  6. Burdick refers to Daniel Simberloff's critique of invasion biology studies, in that such studies typically focus on only successful invasions, while perhaps 90% are unsuccessful. What will be gained in conservation biology by studying why many invasions are not successful?

  7. Evolution is a history of successful and unsuccessful invasions. Human global commerce is speeding up this process. What philosophical and ethical questions does this raise?
Class Projects
  • Response essay: Because he has expressed his opinion, we are entitled to express ours in response. Have the students write a response to Burdick in 500 words or less.
  • Class email discussion: Have the students email a response to the essay to the whole class. The emails should be short and to the point. Free expression will be encouraged if they do not have to be formally structured as essays. However, responses should be clearly enough written and organized that classmates and instructor may understand them. Use the email discussion as a catalyst for in-class debate.
  • Philosophical context: If this is a science class, you may want to invite a professional philosopher to read the article and attend the class discussion.
Websites for Further Information Invasive Species in the News Key Concepts
  • Uncertainty
  • Limitations of science
  • Invasive species
  • Measurement error
  • Inter- and intra-observer reliability
  • Philosophy and history of science





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