Rethinking the BSE Crisis

A Study of Scientific Reasoning under Uncertainty

Nonfiction, Health & Well Being, Medical, Ailments & Diseases, Infectious Diseases, Epidemiology, Science & Nature, Science, Other Sciences, Philosophy & Social Aspects
Cover of the book Rethinking the BSE Crisis by Louise Cummings, Springer Netherlands
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Louise Cummings ISBN: 9789048195046
Publisher: Springer Netherlands Publication: August 9, 2010
Imprint: Springer Language: English
Author: Louise Cummings
ISBN: 9789048195046
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Publication: August 9, 2010
Imprint: Springer
Language: English

In 1986, the emergence of a novel brain disease in British cattle presented a unique challenge to scientists. How that challenge was addressed has been the subject of a public inquiry and numerous academic studies conducted to date. However, none of these investigations has sought to examine the reasoning of scientists during this critical period in the public health of the UK. Using concepts and techniques in informal logic, argumentation and fallacy theory, this study reconstructs and evaluates the reasoning of scientists in the ten-year period between 1986 and 1996. Specifically, a form of presumptive reasoning is described in which extensive use is made of arguments traditionally identified as informal fallacies. In the context of the adverse epistemic conditions that confronted scientists during the BSE epidemic, these arguments were anything but fallacious, serving instead to confer a number of epistemic gains upon scientific inquiry. This book argues for a closer integration of philosophy with public health science, an integration that is exemplified by the case of scientific reasoning during the BSE affair. It will therefore be of interest to advanced students, academics, researchers and professionals in the areas of public health science and epidemiology, as well as philosophical disciplines such as informal logic, argumentation and fallacy theory and epistemology.

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

In 1986, the emergence of a novel brain disease in British cattle presented a unique challenge to scientists. How that challenge was addressed has been the subject of a public inquiry and numerous academic studies conducted to date. However, none of these investigations has sought to examine the reasoning of scientists during this critical period in the public health of the UK. Using concepts and techniques in informal logic, argumentation and fallacy theory, this study reconstructs and evaluates the reasoning of scientists in the ten-year period between 1986 and 1996. Specifically, a form of presumptive reasoning is described in which extensive use is made of arguments traditionally identified as informal fallacies. In the context of the adverse epistemic conditions that confronted scientists during the BSE epidemic, these arguments were anything but fallacious, serving instead to confer a number of epistemic gains upon scientific inquiry. This book argues for a closer integration of philosophy with public health science, an integration that is exemplified by the case of scientific reasoning during the BSE affair. It will therefore be of interest to advanced students, academics, researchers and professionals in the areas of public health science and epidemiology, as well as philosophical disciplines such as informal logic, argumentation and fallacy theory and epistemology.

More books from Springer Netherlands

Cover of the book Problems in Historical Epistemology by Louise Cummings
Cover of the book Critical Studies in Diversity Management Literature by Louise Cummings
Cover of the book The Scope and Structure of Civil Codes by Louise Cummings
Cover of the book Kant’s Theory of Knowledge by Louise Cummings
Cover of the book Up from Clinical Epidemiology & EBM by Louise Cummings
Cover of the book Seismic Ground Response Analysis by Louise Cummings
Cover of the book Crime Modeling and Mapping Using Geospatial Technologies by Louise Cummings
Cover of the book Synthesis of β-Lactam Antibiotics by Louise Cummings
Cover of the book Drought in Arid and Semi-Arid Regions by Louise Cummings
Cover of the book Selective Bronchial and Intercostal Arteriography by Louise Cummings
Cover of the book Traditional Forest-Related Knowledge by Louise Cummings
Cover of the book Birddog by Louise Cummings
Cover of the book Statistics Applied to Clinical Studies by Louise Cummings
Cover of the book Bioethics Critically Reconsidered by Louise Cummings
Cover of the book Global Climate Change - The Technology Challenge by Louise Cummings
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