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Ethics in Computing, Science, and Engineering: A Student’s Guide to Doing Things Right
by Barry G. BlundellThis comprehensive textbook introduces students to the wide-ranging responsibilities of computing, science and engineering professionals by laying strong transdisciplinary foundations and by highlighting ethical issues that may arise during their careers. The work is well illustrated, and makes extensive use of both activities, and ethical dilemmas which are designed to stimulate reader engagement. A number of memorable case studies are also included and frequently draw on the demanding aerospace industry. The book adopts a strongly human centric approach, with matters such as privacy erosion and censorship being viewed not only in their current context but also in terms of their ongoing evolution. What are our individual ethical responsibilities for ensuring that we do not develop for future generations a technological leviathan with the potential to create a dystopian world? A broad range of technologies and techniques are introduced and are examined within an ethical framework. These include biometrics, surveillance systems (including facial recognition), radio frequency identification devices, drone technologies, the Internet of Things, and robotic systems. The application and potential societal ramifications of such systems are examined in some detail and this is intended to support the reader in gaining a clear insight into our current direction of travel. Importantly, the author asks whether we can afford to allow ongoing developments to be primarily driven by market forces, or whether a more cautious approach is needed. Further chapters examine the benefits that are associated with ethical leadership, environmental issues relating to the technology product lifecycle (from inception to e-waste), ethical considerations in research (including medical experimentation involving both humans and animals), and the need to develop educational programs which will better prepare students for the needs of a much more fluid employment landscape. The final chapter introduces a structured approach to ethical issue resolution, providing a valuable, long-term source of reference. In addition it emphasises the ethical responsibilities of the professional, and considers issues that can arise when we endeavour to effect ethically sound change within organisations. Examples are provided which highlight the possible ramifications of exercising ethical valour. The author has thus created an extensively referenced textbook that catalyses student interest, is internationally relevant, and which is multicultural in both its scope and outlook.
Ethics in Forensic Science: Professional Standards for the Practice of Criminalistics (Protocols in Forensic Science)
by Peter D. BarnettWith the complexity of the interactions between the methodology of science, the principles of justice, and the realities of the practice of law and criminalistics, ethical issues frequently arise. One of the hallmarks of a profession is a code of ethics to govern the actions of members of the profession with one another, with users of the professio
Ethics in Human-like Robots
by Kamil MamakThe idea of creating artificial humans can be found at the beginning of the human culture. Ancient myths contain the stories of artificial humans brought to life by gods. The word robot originates from a play that was about artificial humans made from artificial flesh that aims to serve real humans. With advancements in robotics, the materialization of this idea is more real than ever before. We are witnessing attempts to create humanoid robots that might be deployed in many spheres of our life - policing, healthcare, and even for love and sex.The book focuses on the ethical issues of human likeness of robots and human tendency to anthropomorphize. It is built on the assumption that design choices are not neutral, and they need to be discussed to align robots with human values. With robots operating in the physical world, they bring ideas and risks that should be addressed before widespread deployment. The book reviews specific issues and provides suggestions and recommendations for improving robots to serve humans better. It draws on literature from Human-Robot Interactions, ethics of AI and robotics, and the philosophy of technology.
Ethics in Psychiatry: European Contributions (The International Library of Bioethics #110)
by Norman Sartorius Hanfried Helmchen Jakov GatherThis book presents a comprehensive review of ethical issues arising in psychiatric care and research. Compared to the first edition, ten of the 40 chapters comprising the book are new, dealing with topics that were not covered in the previous edition. A further 28 chapters have been updated by the previous authors or completely rewritten by new authors. Containing contributions by leading European ethicists, philosophers, legal scholars, and psychiatrists, this book presents an excellent resource of information and insights for both psychiatrists and other professionals who wish to develop knowledge, understanding, and awareness about ethical issues arising in their practice, research and public health action. Chapter 6 is available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com.
Ethics in Science and Engineering (Wiley-Scrivener #60)
by James G. Speight Russell FooteFor engineering and scientific endeavors to progress there must be generally accepted ethical guidelines in place to which engineers and scientists must adhere. This book explores the various scientific and engineering disciplines, examining the potential for unethical behavior by professionals. Documented examples are presented to show where unethical behavior could have been halted before it became an issue. The authors also look to the future to see what is in store for professionals in the scientific and engineering disciplines and how the potential for unethical behavior can be negated.
Ethics in Science: Ethical Misconduct in Scientific Research, Second Edition
by John D'AngeloProviding the tools necessary for a robust debate, this fully revised and updated second edition of Ethics in Science: Ethical Misconduct in Scientific Research explains various forms of scientific misconduct. The first part describes a variety of ethical violations, why they occur, how they are handled, and what can be done to prevent them along with a discussion of the peer-review process. The second presents real-life case studies that review the known facts, allowing readers to decide for themselves whether an ethical violation has occurred and if so, what should be done. With 4 new chapters and an updated selection of case studies, this text provides resources for guided discussion of topical controversies and how to prevent scientific misconduct.Key Features:Fully revised and updated text which explains the various forms of scientific misconduct.New chapters include hot topics such as Ethics of the Pharmaceutical Industry, The Responsibility of Science to the Environment and Summary of Ethics Guidelines of STEM Professional Societies.Provides the necessary tools to lead students in the discussion of topical controversies.Includes descriptions of real ethical case studies, a number of which are new for the Second Edition.This book is applicable to any science and any level of education.
Ethics in Science: Pedagogic Issues and Concerns
by Astha SaxenaThe book approaches the subject of ethics in science from a pedagogical and pragmatic viewpoint and addresses the need to effectively deal with these issues in science classrooms at the K-12 and undergraduate levels, drawing on real-world cases to do so. The book also explores ethical issues in connection with recent biotechnological advances and urges the reader to move beyond a disciplinary understanding and adopt an interdisciplinary view of the entire issue.Intended to initiate a process of reflecting on and investigating these ethical issues related to biotechnologies, and to enable the reader to take a personal stance on these issues rather than being led by outside agencies, the book offers a source of in-depth study material for researchers working in this area, as well as a training manual for teachers at both in-service & pre-service level, teacher educators, curriculum designers and professionals working in the field. Combining theory and practice, and including teachers’ reflections on their own pedagogic practice, it offers a valuable resource to help teaching professionals conduct experiments and achieve pedagogic innovations in their own work.“‘Ethics in Science- Pedagogic Issues & Concerns’ is an excellent textbook for high school and college students that provides an overview of the ethical issues in science and technology and includes useful cases studies and questions for discussion. I recommend it highly.”—David B. Resnik, JD, PhD, Bioethicist and IRB Chair, National Institute forEnvironmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, USA“Given the recent proliferation of biological and biomedical knowledge, the need for education in the relationship between science and ethics has become ever increasingly essential. The book by Dr. Saxena provides a valuable introduction on how to inaugurate such an education. This book is an excellent template for those attempting to teach science and ethics.”—Bernard.E.Rollin, University Distinguished Professor,Colorado State University, Colorado, USA“This book by Dr Astha Saxena, a well-qualified educationist, fulfils a need for such a book for students of Science and Technology stream. The coverage is comprehensive and the writing is lucid. I endorse this book as it will bring a criticality of thinking among Indian students.”—Kambadur Muralidhar PhD, FASc, FNASc, FNA,University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad“Science without ethics can lead to false scientific claims as well as unbridled technological growth. The present book conceptualizes this integration of ethics and science beautifully with academic rigour.”—Alka Behari, Professor, Department of Education,University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
Ethics of Care: Theoretical and Practical Perspectives (Advancing Global Bioethics #20)
by Joaquim BragaThis book offers a set of reflections on the ethics of care in full articulation with some of the most pressing issues of our time. Several themes are analyzed, such as medical care, self-care, justice, economics, politics, and technology. All of them, however, are permeated and united by a common philosophical purpose, namely: an ethics of care not only allows the conception of behavioral relationships and human values but also puts into play the theoretical foundations of ethics itself. It is in this sense that the ethics of care proposed in this volume can be considered metaethics. Since they present multidisciplinary contents and concepts, the chapters of this volume are relevant theoretical tools for researchers, professors, and students, as well as specialized caregivers, who want to deepen the new theoretical and practical implications of care in contemporary society.
Ethics of Digital Well-Being: A Multidisciplinary Approach (Philosophical Studies Series #140)
by Luciano Floridi Christopher BurrThis book brings together international experts from a wide variety of disciplines, in order to understand the impact that digital technologies have had on our well-being as well as our understanding of what it means to live a life that is good for us. The multidisciplinary perspective that this collection offers demonstrates the breadth and importance of these discussions, and represents a pivotal and state-of-the-art contribution to the ongoing discussion concerning digital well-being. Furthermore, this is the first book that captures the complex set of issues that are implicated by the ongoing development of digital technologies, impacting our well-being either directly or indirectly. By helping to clarify some of the most pertinent issues, this collection clarifies the risks and opportunities associated with deploying digital technologies in various social domains.Chapter 2 is available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com.
Ethics of the Use of Human Subjects in Research: (Practical Guide)
by Adil Shamoo Felix A. Khin-Maung-GyiMedia headlines about research misconduct in American Universities have focused public attention on the dramatic ethical problems that can arise during the conductof research. In the current atmosphere of accountability, scientific research on humans is now under increased scrutiny by the media, Congress and the public. Ethics of the Use of Human Subjects in Research fills the need for learning materials and strategies providing support for training programs related to the ethics of the use of human subjects in research. It presents a practical introduction to the ethical issues at stake in the conduct of research with human subjects. Beginning with a chapter on research ethics, a total of 10 chapters range in scope from the deveolopment of a protocol for ethical decision making to how to obtain IRB approval, with an emphasis on ethical factors underpinning the IRB process.
Ethics on the Ark: Zoos, Animal Welfare, and Wildlife Conservation
by Terry Maple Elizabeth Stevens Michael Hutchins Bryan G. NortonEthics on the Ark presents a passionate, multivocal discussion--among zoo professionals, activists, conservation biologists, and philosophers--about the future of zoos and aquariums, the treatment of animals in captivity, and the question of whether the individual, the species, or the ecosystem is the most important focus in conservation efforts. Contributors represent all sides of the issues. Moving from the fundamental to the practical, from biodiversity to population regulation, from animal research to captive breeding, Ethics on the Ark represents an important gathering of the many fervent and contentious viewpoints shaping the wildlife conservation debate.From the Trade Paperback edition.
Ethics, Technology, and Engineering: An Introduction
by Ibo van de Poel Lamb¿r RoyakkersFeaturing a wide range of international case studies, Ethics, Technology, and Engineering presents a unique and systematic approach for engineering students to deal with the ethical issues that are increasingly inherent in engineering practice. Utilizes a systematic approach to ethical case analysis -- the ethical cycle -- which features a wide range of real-life international case studies including the Challenger Space Shuttle, the Herald of Free Enterprise and biofuels. Covers a broad range of topics, including ethics in design, risks, responsibility, sustainability, and emerging technologies Can be used in conjunction with the online ethics tool Agora (http://www.ethicsandtechnology.com) Provides engineering students with a clear introduction to the main ethical theories Includes an extensive glossary with key terms
Ethics, Technology, and Engineering: An Introduction
by Lamber Royakkers Ibo van de PoelExplore the moral and ethical issues which arise at the intersection of novel technology and engineering In Ethics, Technology, and Engineering: An Introduction, a team of distinguished researchers delivers an insightful and thought-provoking exploration of some of the toughest ethical questions found at the crossroads of engineering and technology. The book demonstrates the skills necessary to effectively grapple with ethical issues that arise from the practice of engineering. The authors introduce the “ethical cycle,” a unique and systematic approach to dealing with ethical problems. They utilize numerous real-life case studies from the United States, Europe, and elsewhere to shed important light on the ethical issues that arise in the daily work of practicing engineers. They also provide a comprehensive overview of various ethical frameworks used in engineering, including utilitarianism, deontological ethics, virtue ethics, Ubuntu, and Confucianism. Readers will also find: A thorough introduction to a practice-oriented approach to ethical decision-making in engineering Comprehensive explorations of the “ethical cycle,” an approach that encourages students to consider a diversity of ethical viewpoints and come to reasoned and justified judgments Practical discussions of ethical issues in engineering design, technological risks, and moral responsibility Treatments of sustainability and how it affects professionals working in engineering, as well as responsible innovationPerfect for engineers, technologists, and entrepreneurs, Ethics, Technology, and Engineering: An Introduction will also benefit businesspeople and founders interested in the ethical implications of a variety of fascinating new technologies.
Ethik in den Ingenieurwissenschaften: Eine Annäherung
by Dieter D. Genske Uta BreuerDie Ingenieurwissenschaften tragen wesentlich zur Gestaltung unserer Zukunft bei. Umso mehr überrascht es, dass ethische Fragen in ingenieurwissenschaftliche Curricula kaum einfließen. Auch praktizierenden Ingenieurinnen und Ingenieuren bleibt die Thematik zumeist fremd. In dieser Edition wird der ethische Anspruch der Ingenieurwissenschaften historisch aufgearbeitet, neu definiert und an aktuellen Beispielen wie dem Dieselskandal, der Klimakrise, den Suchmaschinen und sozialen Netzwerken, der künstlichen Intelligenz und der Covid19-Pandemie verdeutlicht. Dabei sollen sowohl Studierende als auch Praktizierende der Ingenieurwissenschaften angesprochen werden
Ethik in den Wissenschaften: Einblicke und Ausblicke (Ethik – Mensch - Technik)
by Karen JoistenDas vorliegende Buch gewährt Einblicke und Ausblicke in unterschiedliche Disziplinen der Wissenschaft und die mit ihnen einhergehenden ethischen Probleme und Fragestellungen. Das Buch richtet sich neben dem akademischen Fachpublikum vor allem auch an ein breiteres Publikum, da Ethik nur nachhaltig sein kann, wenn auch die breite Bevölkerung sich kompetent und engagiert ethischen Problemen und Fragen stellt und in den Diskurs einbringt.Die Themen, die in diesem Band diskutiert werden, beziehen sich auf: Ethos und Pathos der Architektur, ethische Aspekte des Regierens, die Digitale Transformation, eine philosophische Unterscheidung von Roboter und Mensch, Grenzen der Medizin, ethische Kriterien der Technikfolgenabschätzung, ethische Entscheidungen im Nachhaltigkeitsmanagement und eine juristische Sicht auf Nachhaltigkeit und Umweltgerechtigkeit.
Ethische Aspekte der medizinischen Altersschätzung bei unbegleiteten minderjährigen Migrantinnen und Migranten
by Marius Leander HuesmannIst das Alter von unbegleiteten minderjährigen Migrantinnen und Migranten bei der Einreise nach Deutschland nicht sicher nachweisbar, kann eine medizinische Altersschätzung angeordnet werden. Diese Dissertation analysiert zum einen, ob die medizinische Altersschätzung geeignet ist, eine Minder- oder Volljährigkeit bei Personen nachzuweisen, die ein Alter von 16 oder 17 Jahren angeben, und zum anderen, wie diese Altersschätzung medizinethisch zu bewerten ist. Hierfür wurden die von der Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forensische Altersdiagnostik der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Rechtsmedizin derzeit empfohlenen Methoden (körperliche Untersuchung, Röntgenuntersuchung der Hand, der Weisheitszähne, der Schlüsselbeine) auf ihre Aussagekraft hin untersucht. Die Ergebnisse wurden auf Basis der vier medizinethischen Prinzipien von Beauchamp und Childress (Wohltun, Nicht-Schaden, Gerechtigkeit und Respekt vor der Autonomie) diskutiert. Es zeigt sich, dass keine der genannten Untersuchungsmethoden geeignet ist, bei einem angegebenen Alter von 16 oder 17 Jahren sicher eine Minder- oder Volljährigkeit nachzuweisen oder auszuschließen. Zudem sind diese Untersuchungen aus medizinethischer Perspektive in vielerlei Hinsicht problematisch, sodass die medizinische Altersschätzung in der übergroßen Mehrheit der Fälle derzeit aus ethischen Gründen nicht zu rechtfertigen ist.
Ethischer Naturalismus: Ein Plädoyer
by Mario BrandhorstDas Buch entwickelt und verteidigt eine Form des ethischen Naturalismus. Es kreist um zwei Fragen, die durch einen Leitgedanken eng verbunden sind. Dieser Leitgedanke lautet, dass das Leben, das wir führen, mit allen seinen ethischen Aspekten als Teil der Natur anzusehen ist. Die erste Frage lautet, wie dieser Leitgedanke näher zu verstehen ist. Die zweite Frage lautet, was aus diesem Leitgedanken, so verstanden, folgt. Wie könnte das ethische Leben im Verlauf der Evolution des Menschen entstanden sein? Welche Folgen hätte das für uns? Die Untersuchung setzt bei Darwins Grundeinsichten an, die sie durch die weitere Entwicklung der Theorie der Evolution durch natürliche Selektion und moderne Hypothesen zur Erklärung der Entstehung des ethischen Lebens bis zum aktuellen Stand der Diskussion verfolgt. Wie sich zeigt, ist eine naturalistische Deutung nicht nur mit ethischem Denken und Handeln vereinbar, sondern trägt auch dazu bei, dessen Strukturen zu erklären. Relativiert werden dagegen die Ansprüche vieler Moraltheorien, die von überzogenen Erwartungen im Hinblick auf die Objektivität oder die Formalisierbarkeit des Ethischen geleitet sind. Den Abschluss bildet eine Fallstudie zur Menschenwürde, die nach der Deutung dieses Buchs zwar naturalistisch umgedeutet werden muss, aber als eine zentrale ethische Idee erhalten bleiben kann.
Ethnic Diversity and the Control of Natural Resources in Southeast Asia (Michigan Papers On South And Southeast Asia #32)
by Karl L. Hutterer A. Terry Rambo Kathleen GilloglyThe authors consider the ways in which the high degree of ethnic diversity within the region is related to the nature of tropical Asian environments, on the one hand, and the nature of Southeast Asian political systems and the ways in which they manipulate natural resources, on the other. Rather than focus on defining the phenomenon of ethnicity, this book examines the different social evolutionary contexts in which the phenomenon is manifested. Companion volume to Cultural Values and Human Ecology in Southeast Asia (Michigan Papers no. 27).
Ethnic Fermented Foods and Beverages of India: Science History and Culture
by Jyoti Prakash TamangThis book provides detailed information on the various ethnic fermented foods and beverages of India. India is home to a diverse food culture comprising fermented and non-fermented ethnic foods and alcoholic beverages. More than 350 different types of familiar, less-familiar and rare ethnic fermented foods and alcoholic beverages are traditionally prepared by the country’s diverse ethnic groups, and include alcoholic, milk, vegetable, bamboo, legume, meat, fish, and cereal based beverages. Most of the Indian ethnic fermented foods are naturally fermented, whereas the majority of the alcoholic beverages have been prepared using dry starter culture and the ‘back-sloping’ method for the past 6,000 years. A broad range of culturable and unculturable microbiomes and mycobiomes are associated with the fermentation and production of ethnic foods and alcoholic drinks in India. The book begins with detailed chapters on various aspects including food habits, dietary culture, and the history, microbiology and health benefits of fermented Indian food and beverages. Subsequent chapters describe unique and region-specific ethnic fermented foods and beverages from all 28 states and 9 union territories. In turn the classification of various ethnic fermented foods and beverages, their traditional methods of preparation, culinary practices and mode of consumption, socio-economy, ethnic values, microbiology, food safety, nutritional value, and process optimization in some foods are discussed in details with original pictures. In closing, the book addresses the medicinal properties of the fermented food products and their health benefits, together with corresponding safety regulations.
Ethnic and Cultural Dimensions of Knowledge
by Peter Meusburger Laura Suarsana Tim FreytagThis book presents theoretical and methodical discussions on local knowledge and indigenous knowledge. It examines educational attainment of ethnic minorities, race and politics in educational systems, and the problem of losing indigenous knowledge. It comprises a broad range of case studies about specifics of local knowledge from several regions of the world, reflecting the interdependence of norms, tradition, ethnic and cultural identities, and knowledge. The contributors explore gaps between knowledge and agency, address questions of the social distribution of knowledge, consider its relation to communal activities, and inquire into the relation and intersection of knowledge assemblages at local, national, and global scales. The book highlights the relevance of local and indigenous knowledge and discusses implications for educational and developmental politics. It provides ideas and a cross-disciplinary scientific background for scholars, students, and professionals including NGO activists, and policy-makers.
Ethnic and Indigenous Food Technologies: Role in Climate and Health Resilience (Disaster Resilience and Green Growth)
by Hemen Sarma Ajita TiwariIndigenous fermented foods have long served as essential components of traditional diets across the world. These include both fermented and non-fermented varieties, often rooted in centuries-old practices of food preparation and preservation. Beyond extending shelf life, fermentation enhances the physiochemical properties and nutritional profile of food. However, with the increasing impacts of climate change, globalization, urbanization, and the rising availability of processed fast foods, many indigenous food cultures are rapidly declining. This book explores the intersection of ethnic fermented foods, global ecological change, and evolving fermentation technologies. It examines how climate variability affects traditional food systems and emphasizes the need for preserving indigenous knowledge. The volume provides in-depth insights into the biochemistry, microbiology, biotechnology, and nutritional composition of a diverse range of ethnic and indigenous fermented foods. With a focus on both traditional practices and contemporary scientific advancements, this book offers valuable perspectives on sustainable food systems, food security, and health resilience. It serves as a vital reference for researchers, academicians, and students in the fields of food science, biotechnology, microbiology, biochemistry, and environmental studies.
Ethnobiology
by E. N. Anderson D. Pearsall E. Hunn N. TurnerThe single comprehensive treatment of the field, from the leading members of the Society of Ethnobiology The field of ethnobiology—the study of relationships between particular ethnic groups and their native plants and animals—has grown very rapidly in recent years, spawning numerous subfields. Ethnobiological research has produced a wide range of medicines, natural products, and new crops, as well as striking insights into human cognition, language, and environmental management behavior from prehistory to the present. This is the single authoritative source on ethnobiology, covering all aspects of the field as it is currently defined. Featuring contributions from experienced scholars and sanctioned by the Society of Ethnobiology, this concise, readable volume provides extensive coverage of ethical issues and practices as well as archaeological, ethnological, and linguistic approaches. Emphasizing basic principles and methodology, this unique textbook offers a balanced treatment of all the major subfields within ethnobiology, allowing students to begin guided research in any related area—from archaeoethnozoology to ethnomycology to agroecology. Each chapter includes a basic introduction to each topic, is written by a leading specialist in the specific area addressed, and comes with a full bibliography citing major works in the area. All chapters cover recent research, and many are new in approach; most chapters present unpublished or very recently published new research. Featured are clear, distinctive treatments of areas such as ethnozoology, linguistic ethnobiology, traditional education, ethnoecology, and indigenous perspectives. Methodology and ethical action are also covered up to current practice. Ethnobiology is a specialized textbook for advanced undergraduates and graduate students; it is suitable for advanced-level ethnobotany, ethnobiology, cultural and political ecology, and archaeologically related courses. Research institutes will also find this work valuable, as will any reader with an interest in ethnobiological fields.
Ethnobiology of Mountain Communities in Asia (Ethnobiology)
by Arshad Mehmood Abbasi Rainer W. BussmannNatural resources and associated biological diversity provide the basis of livelihood for human population, particularly in the rural areas and mountain regions across the globe. Asia is home to the world's highest mountain regions including the Himalayas, Karakorum and Hindukush. These regions are renowned around the globe because of their unique beauty, climate, and biocultural diversity. Because of geoclimatic conditions, the mountains of Asia are medicinal and food plant diversity hot spots. The indigenous communities residing in the valleys of these mountains have their own culture and traditions, and have a long history of interaction with the surrounding plant diversity. Local inhabitants of these mountains areas possess significant traditional knowledge of plant species used as food, medicine, and for cultural purposes. So far, many workers have reported traditional uses of plant species from different regions of Asia including some mountain areas; however, there is not one inclusive document on the ethnobotany of mountains in Asia. This book provides a comprehensive overview on ethno-ecological knowledge and cross cultural variation in the application of plant species among various communities residing in the mountains of Asia; cross cultural variation in traditional uses of plant species by the mountain communities; high value medicinal and food plant species; and threats and conservation status of plant species and traditional knowledge. This book should be useful to researchers of biodiversity and conservation, ethnobiologists, ethnoecologists, naturalists, phytochemists, pharmacists, policy makers, and all who have a devotion to nature.
Ethnobiology of Uzbekistan: Ethnomedicinal Knowledge of Mountain Communities (Ethnobiology)
by Rainer W. Bussmann Olim K. Khojimatov Yusufjon GafforovNatural resources and associated biological diversity provide the basis of livelihood for humans, particularly in rural areas and mountain regions around the world. Over centuries, indigenous peoples, traditional societies and local communities have developed their own specific knowledge regarding plant use, management, and conservation. The history of plant use by humans as food and to treat diverse ailments dates back to ancient civilizations. Even though the advent of allopathic medicine has somehow minimized the role of medicinal plants in favor of synthetic drugs, a number of modern drug discoveries have been based on medicinal plants used by indigenous peoples. Ethnobiology is the burgeoning interdisciplinary scientific field which covers all sorts of interactions between plants and people, and Central Asia is recognized as a plant diversity hot spot. The mountains and valleys of this region are rich in unique medicinal and food plant species. Local communities residing in the mountain regions of Central Asia possess unique knowledge of surrounding resources, which is the result of many years of interaction with and selection of the most desirable and pervasive plant species present. In this context, this book provides comprehensive information on cross-culture variation in the traditional uses of plants, fungi, and animal species as food, medicine, and for cultural purposes among the diverse communities of Uzbekistan. The key areas of focus include plant diversity in Uzbekistan, cross cultural variation in traditional uses of plant species, high-value medicinal and food plant species, and threats and conservation status of plant species and traditional knowledge
Ethnobotany In The New Europe: People, Health and Wild Plant Resources (Environmental Anthropology and Ethnobiology #14)
by Andrea Pieroni Manuel Pardo-de-Santayana Rajindra K. PuriThe study of European wild food plants and herbal medicines is an old discipline that has been invigorated by a new generation of researchers pursuing ethnobotanical studies in fresh contexts. Modern botanical and medical science itself was built on studies of Medieval Europeans' use of food plants and medicinal herbs. In spite of monumental changes introduced in the Age of Discovery and Mercantile Capitalism, some communities, often of immigrants in foreign lands, continue to hold on to old recipes and traditions, while others have adopted and enculturated exotic plants and remedies into their diets and pharmacopoeia in new and creative ways. Now in the 21st century, in the age of the European Union and Globalization, European folk botany is once again dynamically responding to changing cultural, economic, and political contexts. The authors and studies presented in this book reflect work being conducted across Europe's many regions. They tell the story of the on-going evolution of human-plant relations in one of the most bioculturally dynamic places on the planet, and explore new approaches that link the re-evaluation of plant-based cultural heritage with the conservation and use of biocultural diversity.