Spotting the myths about spotted owls: claims of causality, burdens of proof and the "cause" of rain in Seattle
Article Abstract:
Scientific disputes can results from a failure to be adequately clear about assumptions. Thus, in the debate about spotted owls in the Pacific Northwest, four assumptions which were assumed to be widely accepted are explicitly stated. It is also argued that scientists must accept as virtually being self evident the need to achieve a reasonable standard of proof. Other aspects of the critique by Matthew S. Carroll et al on an article about the spotted owl controversy in relation to logging industry job losses are systematically rebutted.
Publication Name: Sociological Perspectives
Subject: Sociology and social work
ISSN: 0731-1214
Year: 1999
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Forty years of spotted owls? A longitudinal analysis of logging industry job losses
Article Abstract:
It is widely believed that efforts to protect the habitat of the endangered Northern Spotted Owl has led to significant declines in logging and milling employment. An examination of the high-quality employment data from 1947-1989, however, revealed that the greatest drop in timber employment took place from 1947 until 1964, when controversial environmental regulations were not yet imposed. Results also indicate that the inclusion of the owl in the federal listing of endangered species has had no effect on employment.
Publication Name: Sociological Perspectives
Subject: Sociology and social work
ISSN: 0731-1214
Year: 1998
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A response to "Forty Years of Spotted Owls? A Longitudinal Analysis of the Logging Industry Job Losses."
Article Abstract:
A study by W.R. Freudenburg, L.J. Wilson and D.J. O'Leary is part of what is perceived to be a disquieting though not wholly new trend, which is the tendency by some ecological advocates and a number of environmental sociologists to minimize the negative social effects of actions taken in the name of environmental protection. Freudenburg et al present an oversimplified analysis and misleading conclusions in misrepresenting a considerable part of the spotted owl controversy.
Publication Name: Sociological Perspectives
Subject: Sociology and social work
ISSN: 0731-1214
Year: 1999
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Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
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