Tainted How Philosophy of Science Can Expose Bad Science

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. Kristin Shrader-Frechette uses the analytical tools of classic philosophy of science to evaluate the conclusions of science tainted by the influence of special interests. 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 inadequate standards for workplace-pollution exposure.