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Creating Scientific Controversies: Uncertainty and Bias in Science and Society
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.
266 pages, Hardcover
First published September 22, 2015
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April 21, 2020rtc
May 31, 2023
This is a fine book, and the best presentation of confirmation bias I have seen. There is strong attention to Wakefield - obviously - but also how the climate 'controversy' has been created. There is a fine chapter on Intelligent Design, that demonstrates the populist marinade of that 'Intelligence.' The references are instructive, and the questions that conclude each chapter offer pathways for reflection and future research.
August 19, 2023
3.5 rounded up, rtc
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews