Overview

This book is the first to examine the arguments and behaviour of the scientists who have been locked in conflict for a decade over two competing hypotheses for the cause of the mass extinction, some 65 million years ago, of most of life on earth, including the dinosaurs. These papers - by historians, sociologists, philosophers, and participating scientists - provide an exceptional opportunity to observe firsthand the workings of science that in quieter times are hidden from view. The book concludes with an overarching discussion by a balanced panel of embattled scientists and scholars.

Full Product Details

9780804722865

Table of Contents

Reviews

It wasn't just the dinosaurs that were wiped out 65 million years ago, but many species - hence, 'mass extinction'. But what killed them? That's what this book is all about, the debate triggered by the suggestion, in the early 1980s, that they were struck down by a giant meteorite striking the Earth. The book grew out of a meeting between scientists, historians, philosophers and sociologists, held in 1991, and themselves and the response of both scientists and non-scientists to those arguments. Excellent stuff. (Kirkus UK)

Author Information

Tab Content 6

Countries Available