Scientific Uncertainty And the Politics of Whaling
Publisher: University of Washington Press; Wiley & Sons, Limited, John
Published: July 30, 2006
Language: eng
Format: Hardcover
Number of pages: 260
ISBN-13: 9780295986050
Subjects: Conservation of the environment; Environmentalist thought & ideology; Fisheries & related industries; Science; Politics / Current Events; Science/Mathematics; Environmental Conservation & Protection - Endangered Species; International Relations - General; Public Policy - Environmental Policy; General; Marine Life; Conservation; Decision making; Political aspects; Uncertainty (Information theory); Whales; Whaling
Description: "In this study, Michael Heazle examines how International Waling 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."--Jacket.