Looking at the Nature of Complex Value: 
The Practical Treatment of the Phenomenon of Ecological Value*
Part IV: From an Integrated Point of View

0.   Introduction

	In a critique of ecological practice we will conduct our investigations based upon the following as previously noted:

1:	Ecological value is an example of a complex value.
2:	Phenomenological considerations should take this complexity into account.
3:	Complexity is realized through a number of competing metaphors, and, through forms of value that source distinctive fields of value (e.g., pre-essentially non-integrated essential states, essentially integrated aesthetical states, de-ontological states, pragmatical states, hermeneutical states and/or factual states of affairs).
4:	This complexity is usually non-problematic in a practical sphere by virtue of the pre-existence of working genres of activity that deal with their harmonization.
5:	As practical philosophers we adopt a hermeneutic archaeology in order to focus on such mechanisms of mediation already present, and, in the light of the same proffer possible suggestions in a therapeutic hermeneutics for their critical re-formation/reformation.
6:	Critical re-evaluation of such interventions determining the presence/absence of a comparative existential excess in value-formation, both quantitatively and qualitatively, that arises through such processes of intentional re-normalization. 
7:	Such processes of re-normalization, through re-intervention, normally being seen as relatively ‘non-controversial’ from a practical point of view….. And:
8. 	Modes of integration being thematized through our seeking metaphorical forms of accommodation in the operative interactions between those key-metaphors.
9:	Such investigations noting distinctions, operations, accommodations, transformations involved, etc., in such genre-directed processes…. Whilst:
10.	That in and from the articulation of genres, processes of relative malformation can usually be seen as forms of sequential mistake (through mis-sequentialization, de-sequentialization and/or contra-sequentialization as noted elsewhere). (0)

	By an integrated point of view is collectively meant: 

1.	Looking at our topic of ecological practice from theoretical, practical and critical perspectives as developed in prior papers;
2.	Seeking a non-absolute form of a systematized philosophical consistency and coherence in general outlook and application;
3.	An ability to harmonize competing metaphors utilized for focusing ecologically oriented practice;
4.	An ability to harmonize different types of value in the formation of complex ecological forms of value, evaluation and valuation.
5.	A systematic-style of approach is realized through using my heuristic formula dealing with the six existential conditions for ecological awareness, etc. (1)
*Latest version of paper: www.homestead.com/noelshomepage/noelshomepage3.html

	In the beginning of my investigations into ecological value, evaluation and valuation I lamented the apparent loss of focus that seemed to bedevil ecological concerns and considerations. However, in contrast, I noted that in practice ecological complexity was being negotiated and harmonized and that as a result the ecological philosopher should examine these processes of arbitration already in place and, hopefully, find themselves being able to improve upon the same. In this paper I would like to demonstrate a relatively consistent approach to this maze of practice through adopting my formula of the six existential conditions for ecological awareness and advancement. These six conditions were given, respectively, the following key terms of rectification, re-normalization, re-intervention, re-augmentation, re-evaluation and re-invagination. Let me briefly introduce these six terms, and, then, in more detail, sketch out how they might be used in our pursuit of our relatively systematic ecological investigations from a practical point of view. (2)

Rectification concerns itself with the assembly of apparently relevant ecological texts concerning reports and negotiations dealing with past ecological richness, current ecological richness and aspirations towards a prospective sense of an augmented ecological richness in regards to either an ecological niche, locale or general world-background. In this process of a provisional collection and presentation of ecologically oriented texts, a process of dialectical-like harmonization is entered into in order to account for textual divergences, contradictions, lacunae, transformations or differences in ecological richness across time and space, etc. In effect, the apparent complexity of our ecological focus is effectively and essentially represented through our constructed/re-constructed presentation/re-presentation/s. (3)

Re-normalization is defined/re-defined through reference to our ongoing rectified textual presentation/s as a textual representation of our environmental niche or locale and/or the environment in general. A process of re-normalization being seen as an idealized representation of our vision of where our environmental niche, etc., should be re-headed. (4)

Re-intervention is seen as those processes of intervention that need to be adopted and adapted, through processes of re-negotiation, in the corrective light of our program of re-normalization. (5)

Re-augmentation is the manner of our re-intervention in two senses, namely, an augmentation of patterns of intervention/re-intervention, and, an attempted re-augmentation of the current ecological richness pertaining to our environmental niche, etc., as envisaged in our proposed program of re-normalization. (6)

Re-evaluation is the critical appreciation of our ecological endeavours at all stages (including the re-evaluation of prior processes of evaluation). This is done through the auspicious of an adequate ongoing overall transcendental suspension. (7)

Re-invagination is an open-ended search for possible forms of ecological and social enrichment of an ecological niche, etc., above and beyond its degree of past, current or prospective modes of ecological richness. Essentially, we adopt a creative multi-dimensional approach to our landscapes be they urban, rural and/or natural. (8)

	The sense of the ecological can be defined, more or less, as the modal richness of an environmental niche, locale or general world-background at a certain moment in time or over a certain period of time. Modal richness is defined in two senses, namely, in a quantitative sense as the (approximate) number (or types) of modes (actively) engaged in a certain niche, etc., and, the qualitative richness of those individual modes (or sets of modal-types). E.g., in a certain environmental niche we might find four types of wading birds each with 10,000 specimens. Over time however, say due to a drought, only two species survive the drought and of each only 5,000 specimens survive. We could say in light of these two types of reduction that there has been a 50% loss of richness in this niche in both quantitative and qualitative senses. (9)

	Ecological value has thus been defined in quantitative and qualitative senses. However, as a complex example of value, ecological value also takes a number of other forms, which, in the light of my ordered philosophy, could be roughly labeled as descriptive (lexical and mathematical, etc.), aesthetical, deontologically-ethical, pragmatical, hermeneutical (examinations of possibility) and factual. Ecological value can also be subjected to processes of valuation, e.g., when we try to assess replacement costs, compute compensation, calculate negative costs like pollution, etc. Ecological value can also be valued for its own sake to the extent that we feel it to be our duty to preserve, conserve, restore, augment and/or merely allow an ecological location to persist (where by ‘persist’ is meant ecological replication without marked forms of human interference).  (10)

	To conclude this essay I would like to examine the collective ramifications of this open, responsive, responsibly oriented, systematically organized approach to our ecological concerns, investigations and practices. (11)

The intentional realm of the ecologist, ecological philosopher, ecological hermeneut, existential ecologist, etc., is  that province concerned with the modal richness (as previously defined) of the environment as scoped in some sense or other. In other words, the emergence of an ecological live-world. Now, a life-world is not so much entered as, on one hand, more fully embraced or, on the other, more overlooked through our attention focusing on some other life-world (or allied set of life-worlds). In the emergence of an ecological life-world we, all as ecologists too, have in a sense emerged with it. Our entry, therefore, is more a diving more deeply, or less deeply, into the ramifications of the distinctive nature of its core of beliefs, practices and consequences from processes of re-intervention. (12)
	Let me now look more closely at our six existential conditions for ecological awareness and advancement, treating these six aspects of our topic as dialectical in the sense that they continually, both sequentially and concurrently, define the nature of our investigations and interventions, etc., and in the process proffer a systematically oriented direction to take in those investigations. ( 13)

1.   Rectification

I have argued that the complexity of ecological value is not so problematic on a practical level in comparison to a theoretical level by virtue of the fact that much of that complexity is already defused for-us through pre-negotiated precedence, etc. However, as ecologists we need to re-trace our steps and find ourselves being able to articulate a representative understanding of where we are coming from, where we are currently stationed, and, hopefully, a vision of where we might be headed or should be heading.  In order to find such clarity we need to be able to involve ourselves in the formation of a representative ecological history from which we can then deduce an ecological archaeology and thence, by extrapolation, etc., an ecological therapeutics. What is entailed in a hermeneutic analysis of texts and a rectification of the same that would allow us to present a reasonably accurate and coherent representation of that ecological region under examination? Our first discipline is obviously historical. Then we take a more hermeneutical tack in order to harmonize conflicting texts, etc. In revealing levels and directions of negotiation and re-negotiation, a ground is prepared for demonstrating how negotiated shifts have brought us into the present. Through extrapolation and the formation of a normalized representative understanding of our region under ecological examination we are then in a position to formulate both a re-normalized program and by what means re-intervention can re-augment those redirected and re-directed patterns of intervention that might shift our venture towards that idealized vision of normality (as negotiated for that region, i.e., that environmental niche, locale or background). (14)

	Let me list the steps and sequences, stages and collations that allow us to form an adequate, rectified representation of an ecological region:

1.	Collection of relevant ecological descriptions, etc., dealing with the ecological region under focus.
2. 	Formation of our ecological history
3. 	Formation of our archaeology through outlining shifts in ecological negotiations.
4. 	Formation of our vision of the re-normalization of that region.
5. 	Formation through extrapolation from our archaeology of a therapeutic ecological program with the requisite forms of re-intervention thought appropriate, etc.
6. 	Ongoing hermeneutical rectification of all of the above to re-present a harmonized representation of our ecological region under examination. (15)
2.    Re-Normalization

	A program of re-normalization is both descriptive and prescriptive. From our ecological history/histories, a vision of a program of a possibly obtainable augmented ecological enrichment is envisaged which is also perceived as ‘necessary’ from a critical appreciation of our rectified representation/s of that associated ecological region. Descriptive in the sense that it tells us what could be factually achieved, and, prescriptive in the sense that this vision is proclaimed as a goal towards which we should be motivated to strive towards in order to meet its realization. (16)

	This ideal vision, however, must be tempered with pragmatic reality in the hope that we strive only to obtain what is possible to achieve. Furthermore, although the natural ecology of a region before serious human intervention is a bench-mark for our project we may need, more often than not, to refract our project also through the lens of current and prospective human utilization of that region in order to arrive at a compromised perspective (without that compromise itself necessarily being compromised). If there is a serious difference here, between ideal and pragmatical representations, then matters of compensation may well need to be addressed in the light of that partial program of re-normalization. However, processes of re-invagination could also be visited to ameliorate such ecological disturbance, damage and/or destruction. (17)

	Re-normalization, effectively, is a program of action since in describing how things once were and how they could be again it is a call for action in this regard. Hence its implicit program of re-intervention through processes of re-augmentation. A process tempered by pragmatic possibility and an envisioned sense of re-direction to the extent that it also refracts current and future forms of human utilization of that same landscape. (18)

	Let me list the main points associated with a program of re-normalization:

1.	Acts as a rectified and harmonized descriptive representation of how things once were, and, how things could be once more again.
2.	Also refracts current and prospective human utilization of that region.
3.	Takes into account processes of compensation when and where relevant, and, processes of re-invagination to redress losses in ecological value.
4.	Acts as an implicit template for action through calling for direct and indirect forms of intervention through a re-augmentation of that region’s ecological richness. (19)

3.    Re-Intervention

	Re-intervention is a redirection of prior appropriate modes of intervention. Because adoption and adaptation of interventional modes calls for processes of replication when those process are closely paralleled we get a sense of redirection of intervention, however, if those processes of replication are not able to be closely followed we get forms of interventional re-direction (which could be the opposite of prior processes of intervention and re-intervention and thence relatively radical in complexion). Re-intervention is exercised in the light of our program of re-normalization and in the light of our therapeutic ecological inputs as a process of augmentation of both those processes of re-intervention and the general richness of that ecological region. (20)

	Key-points to be associated with our processes of re-intervention are:

1.	Redirection of prior processes of intervention through therapeutic augmentation.
2.	Processes that may or may not result in a seriously different sense of re-direction.
3.	A selective adoption and adaptation of prior forms of negotiated intervention in order to achieve our program of re-normalization. (21)

4.    Re-Augmentation

	The goal of a program of ecological re-normalization is to augment the degree of ecological value (both quantitatively and qualitatively as defined). This process is achieved through the augmentation of prior patterns of intervention. Therefore this  process of augmentation is through re-intervention. This is achieved through various processes of amplification, de-amplification, redirection, radical re-direction and/or radically innovative changes in style. (22)

	Let me now list and define these points just noted:

1.	In processes of re-normalization an intended enrichment of ecological value is planned.
2.	This is to be achieved through processes of re-intervention wherein prior negotiated patterns of intervention are amplified through ‘redirection’.
3.	Re-direction entails amplification wherein the intensity of a prior pattern of intervention is intensified; and de-intensified in de-amplification.
4.	Redirection means primarily a slight shift in intentional direction with respect to processes and consequences intended in our  processes of resolution.
5.	And secondarily, in the form of a radical re-direction wherein prior patterns of negotiation are exercised in new directions or through their reversal and/or cessation. 
6.	Which also includes radically innovative changes in style (e.g., through re-invagination, radical transformation of prior patterns of intervention, etc.). (23)

5.    Re-Evaluation

	Rectification and re-normalization form a theoretical dimension to our investigations. Re-intervention and re-augmentation form a practical dimension. Whereas re-evaluation forms a critical dimension. Critical consciousness is realized through the imposition of an adequate overall transcendental suspension (that is suitably pre-informed, adequately conducted, and, successfully discharged in a responsible fashion). In critical consciousness a differential between prospective ideality and past and current reality is intuitively determined as appreciatively noticeable. Rectification then informing and re-forming our current notions of re-normalization with new forms of practical re-direction in re-intervention and re-augmentation, etc. That further processes of re-direction can in turn be re-subjected to new processes of re-evaluation (since our goal is to re-evaluate prior patterns of response and evaluation/re-evaluation). (24)

	To be noted here is that:

1.	Re-evaluation is the re-evaluation of prior patterns of evaluation/re-evaluation (as previously negotiated, etc.).
2.	And is conducted via the auspices of an adequate overall transcendent suspension. (25)

6.    Re-Invagination

	Re-invagination recognizes that the human dimension is poly-dimensional in all forms of its interaction with the landscape be those landscapes urban, rural (and/)or natural in orientation. That none of these three basic directions needs to necessarily rule out the other two. That with the exceptions of relative wildernesses, elsewhere we are running re-invaginated programs wittingly or unwittingly. (26)

	Thus, to be noted is the fact that we should look into:

1. 	Current patterns of re-invagination, and,
2.	Prospective patterns of parallel potentially mutual viability. (27)

7.    Some Practical Examples of this Process of Ecological Re-Augmentation, etc.

	If an endangered species, say pandas in China, are not successfully breeding and increasing their numbers then prior patterns of re-intervention may well need to be radically re-directed rather than merely redirected; e.g., they could put into breeding programs attached to zoos or similar in an attempt to preserve this species (and not merely conserve it). (28)

	The Australian bush is home to a number of snake species, some of which are poisonous and some of which are not. A bush region close to a city might be conserved and still utilized for a housing development by ensuring buildings are built  on stilts and all residences are linked by aerial causeways with small clustered areas of land suitably fenced in order to keep such wildlife from encroaching on those non-conserved spaces. Furthermore, regions contiguous with the city are given snake proof fences while corridors are established to connect all sections of bush in this region and to the rest of the bush contiguous with this development. This would also be classed as an example of re-invagination since that housing development is not built at the expense of much of the prior ecological richness of that site and runs parallel to its use as a site for conservation. (29)

	The dunes at beaches are an example of a delicate environment often in need of protection from the trampling feet of beach-goers. The installation of notices, fences and board walks over the sand, along with replanting of dune grasses where necessary, etc., is one way of overcoming this form of environmental damage. Here we have a form of redirected intervention that is re-negotiated in the sense that those board-walks will most likely be placed where traffic customarily passes. (30)

	At this point we might like, ourselves, to look at other instances of intervention in order to discern the re-negotiated nature of those re-interventions adopted and adapted in the hope of turning around their associated forms of environmental disturbance, damage or destruction. (31)

8.    Overview and Provisional Conclusions

	Resources are always finite and may or may not need to be conserved. Competition for scarce resources usually ensures processes of negotiation in their use, and, hopefully, in their conservation. However, humans have a poor track record and sometimes the very status and scarcity of certain resources almost earmarks them for complete destruction. Witness the extinction of the moa (a huge flightless bird) by the Maoris in New Zealand; the declining stocks of cod and blue tuna; caviar from the Caspian; etc., etc. On the other hand, scarcity can sometimes also ensure that we will need to negotiate with others over such resources and find that our ecological enrichment must use an augmentation of such pre-existent patterns redirected through processes of redirection or imposed through a more radical sense of re-direction. E.g., even with depleted fish-stocks we need only collectively re-negotiate their use or non-use in order to begin a process of preservation (and, hopefully, an eventual conservation of that replenished stock). In these types of considerations the parties have already been identified and negotiations need only be formalized and further enacted, etc., hopefully with negotiated success and a successful achievement of outcomes (which are self-determined by the very nature of the re-normalizational processes identified).  (32)

	On one hand, ecological considerations are often highly controversial in nature, and, yet, on the other hand, in a practical arena, we often get on with the job and successfully put aside all such controversial issues in the day by day accommodations, more or less, already negotiated to-hand. Indeed, what is usually more controversial is when such practices are defied or circumvented, undermined or obstructed. In these expectations shared by the negotiating parties the ecological philosopher should be observant and see by what means ‘how such a program of resolution is being achieved in practice or voiced as an aspirational goal?’ In this series of papers, under various headings, I have put forward a number of solutions to this type of puzzle (as to the apparent non-controversial nature of ecological practice in comparison to the often highly controversial nature of  ecological theory). To conclude let me highlight these observations and interpretations that would appear to philosophically follow on from such relatively non-problematic approaches to these otherwise often highly controversial issues. (33)

	In this series of papers I have argued that ecological value is a prime example of complex value. Our investigations in that regard can act as a template for our dealing with other kinds of complex value, e.g., moral value/s, psychological value/s, social values/s, political value/s, economic value/s, spiritual value/s, philosophical value/s, etc. In our phenomenological examination of the same, we need to take a hermeneutical (and existential) turn. However, as noted, such complexity needn’t be seen as an impossible territory to navigate since much of that complexity is already non-controversially pre-negotiated for us. With that observation to-hand I have argued for the need in ecological investigations to do an ecological history/ecological histories and from that matrix of texts produce an ecological archaeology noting, where possible, the sequence of shifts in ecological negotiations. Then, through creative extrapolation, further hermeneutically produce an ecologically therapeutic vision of what appears to be needed environmentally. Through an ongoing dialectical rectification of that body of texts we can then present our environmental representation as a map for re-normalization through which we can formulate patterns of re-intervention through a re-augmentation of prior patterns of intervention. Through such redirectional and/or re-directional shifts in interventional strategies we hope to re-augment the ecological richness of that region under examination. Our critical investigations determining a critical re-evaluation of the same. Lastly, processes of parallel re-invagination can also be seen to further augment the richness of our existences upon landscapes that often, already, are a complex mix of natural, rural and urban forms of intentional treatment. (34)

	To sum up, I have proposed the thesis that philosophical controversies are usually over complex forms of value and valuation. However, on deeper levels of intentional treatment through processes of prior negotiation and current or prospective patterns of ongoing negotiation such superficially controversial territory is usually obviated and circumvented in practice. To articulate this aspect of our investigations I proposed a grid of six existential conditions that appear to assist us in seeing how such negotiations are conducted and how they might possibly be existentially augmented. The thematization of our existential responses and responsibilities ensuring surpluses of value that, hopefully, will also spill over to the ecological realm of being-with-the-other with whom already we, too, are in a continual process of negotiation and mutual participation. Indeed, that our every footstep is already formed through our being-with-others as we move through a variety of life-worlds within the living embrace of the Life-World itself! (35)
	    					      Noël Tointon, Sydney, 9.8.08.