The Promethean illusion
Subtitle: the Western belief in human mastery of nature
By: Bob Tostevin
Publisher: McFarland
Published: 2010
Place of publication: Jefferson, N.C
Language: eng
Number of pages: 262
ISBN-13: 9780786460632
Description: "This text examines our presumption of mastery, the role of Newtonian science and modern science upon the Western philosophy of nature. Biological and ecological case studies reveal the ways in which nature places limits on our knowledge and actions, stymieing attempts at mastery. Programmatic proposals to control nature via genetic engineering and planet management come under specific attack"--
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.
Table of contents: title: Mastery in the making; title: Authorizing human dominion; title: Ironies of scientiþc progress; title: Science in the land of sometimes and perhaps; title: Elusive elements of organic change; title: Ecological detective stories; title: Planetary thinking.