Changing Trends in Antarctic Research

This book gives an update on the rapidly changing events surrounding the introduction of an environmental protection regime in Antarctica. It takes up the historical background, as well as the role of science as a vehicle for political action. In particular it traces the shift of political agendas relating to Antarctica, and the changes this has wrought in research directions. The book brings together discussions from a symposium held at the University of Göteborg in Sweden, where a unique interaction between scientists, research administrators and philosophers of science homed in on the implications for science that flow from the shift towards an environmentalist focus in Antarctica. It is argued that changing trends in Antarctic research must be understood bifocally, i.e. with reference both to political changes and epistomological considerations. This places the book squarely in two different discourses, one in the social studies of science and technology, with special reference to science policy, and the other in environmental studies, with special reference to Antarctica. A comprehensive index is included.