Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Controversial Issues in Science, Technology, and Society [Paperback]

Thomas A. Easton (Editor), Thomas Easton (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 7, 2000 | ISBN-10: 0072359404 | ISBN-13: 978-0072359404 | Edition: 4th

This debate-style reader is designed to introduce students to controversies in science and technology. The readings, which represent the arguments of leading commentators, reflect a variety of viewpoints and are staged as "pro" and "con" debates. Issues are grouped around the following themes: the place of science and technology in society; the environment; the cutting edge of technology; the computer revolution; and ethics.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

McGraw-Hill authors represent the leading experts in their fields and are dedicated to improving the lives, careers, and interests of readers worldwide --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Brown & Benchmark Pub; 4th edition (February 7, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0072359404
• ISBN-13: 978-0072359404
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,944,223 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I actually enjoyed this book for class, April 13, 2004

By 

Nicholas Cherney "Nick Cherney" (Cincinnati, OH USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Controversial Issues in Science, Technology, and Society (Paperback)

From a student perspective (ie. having to write weekly 2000 word essays pertaining to this book), I have to say my prof made a wonderful decision to choose this book. The topics were very up-to-date and thought provoking. It's nice to discuss the future of robots, cell phone radiation, and have current heated topics in class. I'm sick of hearing about the abortion, death penalty, right to bare arms topics. Students over used those discussions in high schoool. Basically, I give an A+ for the interesting topics.

The book is also setup in a very student friendly fashion. Topics are given a 1 page summary relating the pros and cons of 2 writers opinions before plunging into their papers. After the 2 opinions are presented, there is also a page for points to ponder afterward. These two features proved very handy when having to do class discussions over something you read a week before. Skimming for quick recall can be a good thing!

Although I wouldn't have bought this book if I didn't have to, I believe it is an excellent choice for profs to use in class.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Book for College, July 11, 2010

By 

Christopher Torr (Chapel Hill, NC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Taking Sides: Clashing Views in Science, Technology, and Society (Paperback)

This book was required for a course I was taking over the summer. I enjoyed reading about these issues because it gave a fair representation of both sides of each argument.

3 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very thought provoking look at science and ethics, April 11, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Controversial Issues in Science, Technology, and Society (Paperback)

The arguements presented are can promote excellent class discussions. Very thought provoking. This is a great book for graduate ethics students and their teachers.