Post-Normal Modelling in Ecological Economics : An Emergent Approach

This article reviews the recent contributions of ecological-economic modelling to the general epistemology of scientific models. It focuses, in particular, on the understanding of the process and consequences of modelling offered by ecological-economic modellers, especially by those authors linked to the philosophy of Post-normal science. We point out the emergence of a Post-normal modelling style in the field of ecological economics and we introduce the reader to the debate. As to the prevailing features of this new style of modelling, it is worth emphasizing that ecological-economic models are discussed within the framework of a narrativist and perspectivist approach. It includes extended peer communities and the critical opening to alternative formulations. The article closes with an overview of the guiding principles recommended by this tradition for the elaboration and evaluation of models