How do we reconcile or evaluate these two opposing views or theories? The approach taken is pragmatic and utilitarian following Fagerstrom(1987), who reviewed the philosophical and methodological problems facing ecologists required to deal with dynamic systems with a high level of intrinsic complexity.

   Ecological theory is a necessary prerequisite for understanding. It is, however, important to differentiate the role or utility of theory from its absolute truth or validity. The ultimate goal of ecological theory is to attain the truth, though it is unlikely this goal will be reached or even recognized. But this should not be the proximate goal of theory. Ecologists do not reject theories because they are wrong. Theories are retained until better ones are developed.

   Fagerstrom(1987) proposes four pragmatic criteria by which to judge ecological theory. Theory need not necessarily be true but at least it must be consistent with prevailing ideas. It must be productive of new concepts as well as unify previously disparate ideas. It must be simple in that it is easy to understand the underlying assumptions and to appreciate the implications of those assumptions. Lastly theory should have beauty or appeal. Good theory is attractive when it combines generality with economy and when it is 'universal in content and pregnant in form' (Fagerstrom,1987).