Science, Development, and Violence: The Revolt against Modernity

by Claude Alvares

In the last few decades, the idea of "development" has usually been associated with progress, modernity, and emancipation. The author argues that, to the contrary, it is actually a term that has been used to mask the organizational plunder of resources and instill violence into the culture. He
demonstrates this with the abundant use of case studies as well as viable alternative forms of progress. This work will be of interest to those interested in the ecology and environmental studies, as well as development economists.

Genres: Science

Paperback

First published February 23, 1995

Reviews

[T.R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the few hard-hitting, virtually subversive books that I've read questioning the antecedents, norms, and praxis of science and development, and the ineluctable violence to nature and to society. A passionate and well-argued account, bordering on polemic at times, but generally supported by research findings and personal experience, by one of India's leading environmentalists. I read this soon after it first appeared, in 1992, but re-reading sections of it today, find that many issues remain apposite.

[Riccha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dissection of the inglorious hidden face of Science and Technology based development models.