The Impact of Robert Macarthur on Ecology

Truth is what is-it is the underlying reality of all existence. Knowledge is what we think we know about truth. Knowledge, however, is always an imperfect assess­ ment, and is always subject to revision and improvement. The realization that there are discrepancies and weaknesses in knowledge is wisdom. Wisdom leads to a process, called the philosophy of science, through which knowledge is modified to better fit the truth. Philosophy means the love of wisdom, and doctors of philosophy are supposed, before all else, to be experts in wisdom. Understanding, as defined in Job (28:28), is the effort to avoid evil. We may think of understanding as what we use in order to adequately apply our wisdom and our knowledge in guiding our actions. While applied scientists seek understanding, basic scientists seek knowl­ edge. Dr. Robert MacArthur has made a dramatic impact on ecology because, to him, all of this was second nature.