Creating Scientific Controversies: Uncertainty and Bias in Science and Society

Harker, David

ISBN 10: 1107692369 / ISBN 13: 9781107692367

Published by Cambridge University Press, 2015

About this Item

Print on Demand pp. 240.

Seller Inventory # 373550396

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Creating Scientific Controversies: Uncertainty and Bias in Science and Society
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication Date: 2015
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1107692369
• ISBN 13: 9781107692367
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

For decades, cigarette companies helped to promote the impression that there was no scientific consensus concerning the safety of their product. The appearance of controversy, however, was misleading, designed to confuse the public and to protect industry interests. Created scientific controversies emerge when expert communities are in broad agreement but the public perception is one of profound scientific uncertainty and doubt. In the first book-length analysis of the concept of a created scientific controversy, David Harker explores issues including climate change, Creation science, the anti-vaccine movement and genetically modified crops. Drawing on work in cognitive psychology, social epistemology, critical thinking and philosophy of science, he shows readers how to better understand, evaluate, and respond to the appearance of scientific controversy. His book will be a valuable resource for students of philosophy of science, environmental and health sciences, and social and natural sciences.

About the Author

David Harker is Associate Professor of Philosophy at East Tennessee State University. He has published articles in journals including British Journal for the Philosophy of Science, Philosophical Studies and Studies in History and Philosophy of Science.