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Weed scientists are confident of increasing production through agricultural technology, including herbicides, but do not must ask if the moral obligation to feed people is sufficient justification for the benefits and harms achieved. A continuing, rigorous examination of the science's goals that leads to appropriate change is advocated. Weed scientists have a research consensus - a paradigm - Weeds must be controlled. Herbicides are the best control technology. Agriculture's practitoners should discuss the necessity and risks of their technology. Discussion must include scientific evidence and value-laden arguments.
Summary
Weed scientists are confident of increasing production through agricultural technology, including herbicides, but do not must ask if the moral obligation to feed people is sufficient justification for the benefits and harms achieved. A continuing, rigorous examination of the science’s goals that leads to appropriate change is advocated. Weed scientists have a research consensus - a paradigm - Weeds must be controlled. Herbicides are the best control technology. Agriculture's practitoners should discuss the necessity and risks of their technology. Discussion must include scientific evidence and value-laden arguments.
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From the reviews:
“This intriguing short volume is a series of philosophical essays pleading for weed scientists to consider more carefully their research and its consequences for society, human health and the environment. … I recommend this to all who wish to consider how weed science could develop; but not only weed science. This is a salutary tale for all scientists – remember that there is a wider world out there!” (Ken Davies, Experimental Agriculture, Vol. 49 (1), 2013)
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From the reviews:
"This intriguing short volume is a series of philosophical essays pleading for weed scientists to consider more carefully their research and its consequences for society, human health and the environment. ... I recommend this to all who wish to consider how weed science could develop; but not only weed science. This is a salutary tale for all scientists - remember that there is a wider world out there!" (Ken Davies, Experimental Agriculture, Vol. 49 (1), 2013)
