Tainted

Three-fourths of scientific research in the United States is funded by special interests. Many of these groups have specific practical goals such as developing pharmaceuticals or establishing that a pollutant causes only minimal harm. For groups with financial conflicts of interest their scientific findings often can be deeply flawed. <p/>To uncover and assess these scientific flaws award-winning biologist and philosopher of science Kristin Shrader-Frechette uses the analytical tools of classic philosophy of science. She identifies and evaluates the concepts data inferences methods models and conclusions of science tainted by the influence of special interests. As a result she challenges accepted scientific findings regarding risks such as chemical toxins and carcinogens ionizing radiation pesticides hazardous-waste disposal development of environmentally sensitive lands threats to endangered species and less-protective standards for workplace-pollution exposure. In so doing she dissects the science on which many contemporary scientific controversies turn. Demonstrating and advocating liberation science she shows how practical logical methodological and ethical evaluations of science can both improve its quality and credibility -- and protect people from harm caused by flawed science such as underestimates of cancers caused by bovine growth hormones cell phones fracking or high-voltage wires. <p/>This book is both an in-depth look at the unreliable scientific findings at the root of contemporary debates in biochemistry ecology economics hydrogeology physics and zoology -- and a call to action for scientists philosophers of science and all citizens.<br>