Description: Legislation to reduce human and environmental injury before it occurs has, in the last two decades, come under increasing attack by critics who employ utilitarian philosophy and cost-benefit analysis. The legislation's defenders have lacked a unifying theory, which the authors propose should be the American tradition of philosophical pragmatism.
Review Quotes: "This book provides a very astute and thorough examination of the complex
issues raised by society's desire to regulate risks preventively, before harm occurs. Shapiro and Glicksman show an enormous grasp of the relevant literatures and they cogently synthesize and present the many dimensions of the debate. The book's greatest value lies in the framework of pragmatism which they use to frame and organize their discussion, as well as ultimately to justify their positions. Their elegantly developed framework will become a focal point for further debate." --Christopher Schroeder, Duke University