COVID-19: Understanding Novel Pathogens in Coupled Social–Ecological Systems

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Interesting post-humanist analysis on the limits of human agency to manage ecosystem relations and dynamics

In the ‘Theoretical Framework’ section some reference to ‘systems thinking’ and modelling might be made 

p.2 Given the posthumanist frame/approach of the article one might have expected a critique of the anthropocentrism of ‘tipping points’ being viewed as negative in relation to human interests…a) reaching and going beyond such tipping points might be negative for some nonhumans but b) might be beneficial for some nonhuman entities or systems.

 

p.3 I think the divorcing of intentionality and agency (after Latour) is done too quickly here and some more argument needed as to why non-intentional action/reactions are forms of agency…would the authors consider blinking an example of agency? 

How is the Socratic method different from the Delphi one?

Typo – Line 44  it should be ‘developments’

 

Author Response

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Reviewer 2 Report

The authors have produced an interesting study of the relationship between the COVID-19 outbreak and  complex social economic systems.  I would recommend consideration of two points that might further show the value of the method and result.

1. a very short reference to the uncertainty of the origin of this viral strain, from the market vs a laboratory origin.  It would seem that this could have provided additional modeling opportunities if included

2. the global nature of this pandemic also provides the opportunity to compare and contrast multiple environments, e.g. countries/regions, to highlight the contribution to the system and its behaviors

 

Author Response

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Reviewer 3 Report

Dear Authors,

MDPI Office,

The contribution entitled: "COVID-19: understanding novel pathogens in coupled social-ecological systems"

is indeed a philosophical one adopting interdisciplinary approach and providing unique insights into the pandemics related developments.

It may fill certain knowledge gaps in seminal literature.

Yet its evidence base remains overtly homogeneous relying to heavily on sources coming from wealthy OECD countries.

At the same time the majority of global burden of this disease and novel upcoming epidemics as well remains situated outside these rich societies in the Global South across the LMICs nations.

Thus far more related sources coming from the Emerging BRICS markets should be cited since they are crucial for understanding of dynamics of these developments outside this narrow circle of wealthy nations representing less than 15% of mankind.

For this purpose I warmly recommend consideration for inclusion of at least several sources:

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13696998.2022.2054202

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2021.673542/full

I remain willing to review the revised manuscript version.

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf