Scientific Uncertainty and the Politics of Whaling

(9)
Scientific Uncertainty and the Politics of Whaling image
ISBN-10:

0295986050

ISBN-13:

9780295986050

Author(s): Heazle, Michael
Edition: First Edition
Released: Jun 23, 2006
Format: Hardcover, 240 pages
Related ISBN: 9781896445373

Description:

In this intriguing study, Michael Heazle examines how International Whaling Commission (IWC) policy dramatically shifted from furthering the interests of whaling nations to eventually banning all commercial whaling. Focusing on the internal workings of a single organization, Heazle explores the impact of political and economic imperatives on the production and interpretation of scientific research and advice.Central to his work are the epistemological problems encountered in the production of “truth.” Science does not produce incontestable facts that can be expected to lead to consensus decisions; rather, the problematic nature of knowledge itself allows for various interpretations of data depending on the interests of those at the table. It is precisely the nature of scientific knowledge, Heazle argues, that has made uncertainty a tool in service of political objectives. When scientific advice to whaling nations could not with absolute certainty declare whaling practices a threat to stocks, those IWC members with substantial investments of political and economic capital used this uncertainty to reject a reduction in quotas. As perceptions of whaling changed - with the collapse of Antarctic whaling stocks, further diminishing economic returns, and public opinion turning against commercial whaling -- uncertainty switched sides. Nonwhaling members in the IWC, a majority by the late 1970s, claimed that because scientific data could not prove that commercial whaling was sustainable, hunting should stop. Uncertainty was used to protect the resource rather than the industry.That science cannot be an impartial determinant in policy-making decisions does not render it useless. But Heazle’s analysis does suggest that without understanding the role of scientific uncertainty - and the political purposes for which it is used - international cooperation on wildlife management and broader issues will continue to become bogged down in arguments over whose science is correct.

Best prices to buy, sell, or rent ISBN 9780295986050




Frequently Asked Questions about Scientific Uncertainty and the Politics of Whaling

You can buy the Scientific Uncertainty and the Politics of Whaling book at one of 20+ online bookstores with BookScouter, the website that helps find the best deal across the web. Currently, the best offer comes from and is $ for the .

The price for the book starts from $9.49 on Amazon and is available from 6 sellers at the moment.

If you’re interested in selling back the Scientific Uncertainty and the Politics of Whaling book, you can always look up BookScouter for the best deal. BookScouter checks 30+ buyback vendors with a single search and gives you actual information on buyback pricing instantly.

As for the Scientific Uncertainty and the Politics of Whaling book, the best buyback offer comes from and is $ for the book in good condition.

The Scientific Uncertainty and the Politics of Whaling book is in very low demand now as the rank for the book is 7,618,769 at the moment. A rank of 1,000,000 means the last copy sold approximately a month ago.

Not enough insights yet.