Naveh, Z., 1999, Ten major premises for a holistic conception of multifunctional landscapes, in: Landscape and Urban Planning, , 3
- Author : Naveh, Z.
- Year : 1999
- Journal/Series : Landscape and Urban Planning
- Volume Number (ANNUAL: Counting Volumes of the Year shown above) : 3
- Pages : 269-284
- Abstract in English : The objective of this article is to suggest 10 major premises, which should serve as the holistic conception of multifunctional landscapes (MFL), with a clear vision for the necessity of transdisciplinary goal-oriented landscape research. For this purpose we have to abandon the reductionistic and positivistic assumptions, which are still widely accepted in the natural sciences. Namely that that e can achieve complete scientific objectivity and predictability in the transdisciplinary study of MFLs. The presently occurring rapid changes in most human-influences landscapes on earth are unpredictable. Therefore, instead of clinging to the classical scientific model of a predictive science, it is essential for landscape research to become an anticipating science, and like medicine, to become also a prescriptive science. As pointed out by Holling (1996) and Bright (2000), we have to anticipate environmental surprises and we have to learn to deal also with uncertainties and unpredictability. We cannot predict the future of our landscapes, but we can help shape their future. We can only attempt to anticipate their fate and the risks involved in their further misuse and degradation and the prospects for further sustainable development.
- Comments/Notes : KEYWORDS: Landscape ecology, human ecosystem, landscape philosophy, sustainability, holistic landscape conception. UTILITY: lecturers/teachers, academic research, students of universities of professional education