A metaphysics for ecology

There is a scientific weltanschunng about the most fundamental level of understanding in biology. Its cornerstone belief is that studying the behavior and functioning of the organisms from a strict physical and/or chemical point of view is enough to comprehend how life works. This belief is based on the metaphysics of substance. Despite its importance for the understanding of low level biological processes, it does not adequately describe ecological and evolutionary phenomena at individual, population, community and ecosystem levels. We argue that the metaphysics of process provides a better framework under which to address ecological and evolutionary phenomena. We illustrate the reasons for our preference through the ecosystem concept and the theory of niche construction.