Science for survival : scientific research and the public interest

In the modern world, science and technology touch our lives every day. This text examines the ways in which society interacts with science and the means by which political and other leaders use and misuse science and engineering. Case studies, such as the handling of "mad cow diease", reveal both how mistakes are often made in handling science and technology, and also how good practice can contribute to the public interest. Each of the chapters is focused on an issue of public debate - such as the environment, or unemployment - and uses recent examples and historical parallels to demonstrate different aspects of the relationship between science and the rest of society.