Science and Public Policy The Virtuous Corruption of Virtual Environmental Science

By: Aynsley Kellow

218 pages, no illustrations

Publisher: Edward Elgar

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ISBN: 9781847204707 Hardback Oct 2007 Not in stock: Usually dispatched within 1 week
£102.00
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Price: £102.00

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About this book

This book argues that the virtual nature of much environmental science and the application of non-science principles such as the precautionary principle facilitate the virtuous corruption of environmental science. Drawing upon examples from conservation biology and diversity Aynsley Kellow illustrates that the problem is more widespread than this area alone would suggest and is common in the important field of climate science. He argues the importance of reliable science as the basis for environmental policy and management also proposing that a purely scientific basis for public policy is a chimera - there is rarely a linear relationship between science and public policy, with scientific understanding leading to only one policy option.

Contents: Preface 1. The Political Ecology of Pseudonovibos Spiralis and the Virtuous Corruption of Virtual Science 2. The Political Ecology of Conservation Biology 3. Climate Science as 'Post-normal' Science 4. Defending the Litany: The Attack on The Skeptical Environmentalist 5. Sound Science and Political Science 6. Science and its Social and Political Context Bibliography Index

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By: Aynsley Kellow

218 pages, no illustrations

Publisher: Edward Elgar

Media reviews

'Crusading environmentalists won't like this book. Nor will George W. Bush. Its potential market lies between these extremes. It explores the hijacking of science by people grinding axes on behalf of noble causes. "Noble cause corruption" is a term invented by the police to justify fitting up people they "know" to be guilty, but for whom they can't muster forensic evidence that would satisfy a jury. Kellow demonstrates convincingly, and entertainingly, that this form of corruption can be found at the centre of most environmental debates. Highly recommended reading for everyone who doesn't already know who is guilty.' - John Adams, University College London, UK

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