The Mass-Extinction Debates: How Science Works in a Crisis

by William Glen (Editor)

Overview

This book is the first to examine the arguments and behavior of the scientists who have been locked in conflict for a decade over two competing hypotheses for the cause of the mass extinction, some 65 million years ago, of most of life on earth, including the dinosaurs. These papers - by historians, sociologists, philosophers, and participating scientists - provide an exceptional opportunity to observe firsthand the workings of science that in quieter times are hidden from view. The book concludes with an overarching discussion by a balanced panel of embattled scientists and scholars.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780804722858
Publisher:	Stanford University Press
Publication date:	08/01/1994
Edition description:	1
Pages:	388
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

Editorial Reviews

Examines the arguments and behavior of the scientists who have been locked for so long in conflict over the competing hypotheses of the cause of mass extinction. The debates, triggered in 1980 by the advent of the meteorite impact hypothesis put forth by the Alvarez-Berkeley group, have grown into a broad interdisciplinary upheaval. Papers included were selected from the July 1991 meeting of the International Society for the History, Philosophy, and Social Studies of Biology, held at Northwestern University. Paper edition (unseen), $17.95. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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