Stevens, Claire Diana;
(2002)
Alternative truths? A study of the use of science by the environmental groups in the UK: The case of Greenpeace and the Brent Spar dispute.
Doctoral thesis (Ph.D), UCL (University College London).
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Abstract
This dissertation examines the complex relationship between the environmental movement and science, and poses the question as to whether science is a neutral tool, universally usable, or a form of knowledge that carries embedded assumptions that must first be understood. The research addresses the use of scientific knowledge by environmental organisations in terms of its legitimatory role in disputes, and its role in the development of the environmental movement. This leads to an examination of the relationship between nature and society, in particular, the Critical theory account, which leads to an explanation of science as a form of dominant ideology. Following from this is an analysis of the historical construction of nature and the development of science and its definition of nature. Science is examined in terms of the positivist and constructionist accounts and the implications of these views for environmental debate. The social constructionist account, in exploring the interests, decision-making processes and embedded assumptions of science, offers an analysis which has major implications for the environmental debate questioning the neutrality and value-free status of science. In this account power, knowledge and ideology are seen to be culturally produced and mutually reinforcing, with no clear boundaries maintainable between politics, science and nature. These aspects are examined in the light of social movement theory and the framing of environmental debate, in particular, the Brent Spar dispute is used as a case study to explain the use of science and its role in environmental controversies. It is concluded that, in using science, environmental groups are using a tool that is ideologically incompatible with environmentalism, and the critical use of science would entail an understanding of science as a social and political activity.
| Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Qualification: | Ph.D |
| Title: | Alternative truths? A study of the use of science by the environmental groups in the UK: The case of Greenpeace and the Brent Spar dispute |
| Open access status: | An open access version is available from UCL Discovery |
| Language: | English |
| Additional information: | Thesis digitised by ProQuest. |
| Keywords: | Philosophy, religion and theology; Social sciences; Environmentalism |
| URI: | https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10105905 |
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