Technical Controversies over Public Policy

From Fluoridation to Fracking and Climate Change

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science
Cover of the book Technical Controversies over Public Policy by Allan Mazur, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Allan Mazur ISBN: 9781351593021
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: August 29, 2017
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Allan Mazur
ISBN: 9781351593021
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: August 29, 2017
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

Newspapers and TV often report controversial risk warnings over technological innovations, scientific developments, or environmental hazards that have at their core a dispute between experts who contradict one another not only on preferred policy but also on the scientific facts that underlie decisions about public policy. Recent examples are the disputes about climate change, fracking, vaccination and autism, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Adversaries mobilize constituents with similar interests or ideologies, form opposing coalitions, and compete for media exposure. They articulate arguments and counterarguments. "Facts" become malleable, differently appraised by each side. Uncongenial evidence is ignored or discredited. For many adversaries, winning the policy argument is primary; evaluating the true degree of hazard is secondary. How can we determine which side’s "facts" are right and which wrong? Do news media enlighten the public or worsen polarization? Can policymakers deal with controversial science and technology more cogently than they do now?

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Newspapers and TV often report controversial risk warnings over technological innovations, scientific developments, or environmental hazards that have at their core a dispute between experts who contradict one another not only on preferred policy but also on the scientific facts that underlie decisions about public policy. Recent examples are the disputes about climate change, fracking, vaccination and autism, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Adversaries mobilize constituents with similar interests or ideologies, form opposing coalitions, and compete for media exposure. They articulate arguments and counterarguments. "Facts" become malleable, differently appraised by each side. Uncongenial evidence is ignored or discredited. For many adversaries, winning the policy argument is primary; evaluating the true degree of hazard is secondary. How can we determine which side’s "facts" are right and which wrong? Do news media enlighten the public or worsen polarization? Can policymakers deal with controversial science and technology more cogently than they do now?

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book The Future of Heritage as Climates Change by Allan Mazur
Cover of the book Equality, Education, and Physical Education by Allan Mazur
Cover of the book Critical Queer Studies by Allan Mazur
Cover of the book Community, Environment and Local Governance in Indonesia by Allan Mazur
Cover of the book Animals and Human Society by Allan Mazur
Cover of the book Global Raciality by Allan Mazur
Cover of the book Negotiating Critical Literacies with Young Children by Allan Mazur
Cover of the book Revolutionary Guerrilla Warfare by Allan Mazur
Cover of the book Policing, Ethics and Human Rights by Allan Mazur
Cover of the book Prometheus by Allan Mazur
Cover of the book Textual and Visual Representations of Power and Justice in Medieval France by Allan Mazur
Cover of the book The Short Guide to Sustainable Investing by Allan Mazur
Cover of the book Evaluating Acquisitions and Collection Management by Allan Mazur
Cover of the book Researching Terrorism, Peace and Conflict Studies by Allan Mazur
Cover of the book Votes For Women by Allan Mazur
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy