Sir, - I write in reply to Dr. Roy Johnston's letter (September 6th), in which he accuses me of confusing two separate issues, radical Green philosophy and the anti science movement, in the Science Today column of September 2nd. Dr. Johnston is mistaken in his opinion on this matter.
It is unfortunately true that a sizable group of academics who study environmental philosophy are hostile towards science. Most environmental scientists are not much affected by this attitude, but the attitude does seep out to influence the broad environmental movement.
The anti science attitude is found in the writings of a range of writers who take a radical stand on environmental philosophy. The general position is outlined in the popular book The Turning Point by Fritjof Capra (Flamingo, 1983), and also in the influential Understanding the Present by Bryan Appleyard (Pan Books, London 1992). More detail is presented in, for example, The Death of Nature by Carolyn Merchant (Harper and Row, 1980), in Radical Ecology by Carolyn Merchant, (Routledge, 1992), and in Feminism and The Mastery of Nature by Val Plumwood (Rout ledge, 1993).
I realise that the arguments of the radical eco philosophers are not regularly rehearsed at the meetings of the local environmental action group. However, enough of this fundamental thinking does diffuse out widely enough to foster a general attitude of suspicion towards science.
lam not advocating that everyone should uncritically accept all pronouncements made by "scientific experts". Constructive questioning and analysis is to be welcomed. But I am against any general attitudes towards science based on preconceived negative notions. Science has proved itself to be true and reliable. It has earned our respect. - Yours, etc.,
Biochemistry Department,
University College, Cork.