The Social Impacts of Soft and Hard Energy Systems: The Lovins' Claims as a Social Science Challenge

An overview is first given of the soft-energy notion as well as of its social impact. Then a discussion is given of the logical and theoretical considerations that social scientists must address if the claims for soft-energy are to be considered researchable. Finally, a set of methodological considerations are sketched. In particular, the specifics of the soft-energy system as enumerated by Amory Lovins are examined. 54 refs.