"Science - "empirical knowledge" - and technology - "applied science" - have long played a key role in social development. In modern times they have come to be seen as absolutely essential factors in the achievement of economic growth and development. And though many dispute their ascendancy and legitimately point to their abuses, there is no escaping their presence and impact." "Taking as a main theme the central role of science and technology in economic progress, this first-of-a-kind sourcebook gathers together the perspectives and expertise of an international body of specialists in science and technology policy to examine the role of science and technology in development, and assess their social, economic, and political dimensions. The authors look at the key issues in relation to the exigencies of developing countries in the "new international context." They emphasize the complexity of the links between science, technology, and development and the important insights to be gained from the study of these links. The authors also point out that, despite science and technology's promise of social and economic progress, such progress is less than ever an inevitable result of their application - though there is no doubt about what can be achieved through science and technology, the quest is an uncertain one."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

American liberals and conservatives alike take for granted a progressive view of the Constitution that took root in the early twentieth century. Richard Epstein laments this complacency which, he believes, explains America’s current economic malaise and political gridlock. Steering clear of well-worn debates between defenders of originalism and proponents of a living Constitution, Epstein employs close textual reading, historical analysis, and political and economic theory to urge a return to the classical liberal theory of governance that animated the framers’ original text, and to the limited government this theory supports. “[An] important and learned book.” —Gary L. McDowell, Times Literary Supplement “Epstein has now produced a full-scale and full-throated defense of his unusual vision of the Constitution. This book is his magnum opus...Much of his book consists of comprehensive and exceptionally detailed accounts of how constitutional provisions ought to be understood...All of Epstein’s particular discussions are instructive, and most of them are provocative...Epstein has written a passionate, learned, and committed book.” —Cass R. Sunstein, New Republic

"In Masters of Uncertainty, Phaedra Daipha offers a new framework for understanding decision-making practice after spending years immersed in a northeastern office of the National Weather Service. Arguing that forecasters have made a virtue of the unpredictability of the weather, Daipha shows how they enlist an onmivorous appetite for information and improvisational collage techniques to create a locally meaningful forecast on their computer screens. This richly detailed and lucidly written book advances a theory of decision making that foregrounds the pragmatic and situated nature of expert cognition and casts new light on how we make decisions in the digital age"--Page {4] of cover.

Unlock progress through doubt and uncertainty The biggest threat facing modern business is the sheer complexity of an uncertain future. That, and the fact that everyone is busy. Too busy for progress. Workplace cultures have become cursed with efficiency. And so when it comes to developing strategy, we default to our defaults.We favour quick fixes, easy templates and familiar approaches, developing ‘robust plans' that do little to mitigate strategic risk or generate new value. The result? The future comes, and businesses die. But no longer! *cue trumpets* How to Lead a Quest is a book for pioneering leaders - folks who know that enterprise strategy is far too important to condemn to ‘smart goals', 'a clear vision for the future' and other such rubbish. Within this book, you'll discover how to: liberate enterprise leadership and workplace cultures from the curse of efficiency, default thinking and the delusion of progress explore complex and uncertain futures to find profound insights that mitigate strategic risks and ensure your business model remains viable create new value and enduring relevance by pioneering into unchartered and unprecedented territory embed new structures and rituals into your enterprise to build for the future, while still delivering operational excellence today. Not for the faint of heart or short-of-wit, this uniquely refreshing book bravely tackles the paradox that is pioneering leadership. You'll discover how to lead meaningful progress - even if you don't know what the goal or destination looks like.

"Will ever-more sensitive screening tests for cancer lead to longer, better lives? Will anticipating and trying to prevent the future complications of chronic disease lead to better health? Not always, says Robert Aronowitz. In fact, it often is hurting us... Drawing on such controversial examples as HPV vaccines, cancer screening programs, and the cancer survivorship movement, Aronowitz demonstrates that patients and their doctors have come to believe, perilously, that far too many medical interventions are worthwhile because they promise to control our fears and reduce uncertainty." -- Taken from book flyleaf.