What Science Is and How It Really Works
by James. C. Zimring
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Pub Date Sep 03 2019 | Archive Date Aug 20 2019
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Description
Scientific advances have transformed the world.
However, science can sometimes get things wrong, and at times, disastrously so.
Understanding the basis for scientific claims and judging how much confidence we should place in them is essential for individual choice, societal debates, and development of public policy and laws.
We must ask: what is the basis of scientific claims?
How much confidence should we put in them?
What is defined as science and what is not?
This book synthesizes a working definition of science and its properties, as explained through the eyes of a practicing scientist, by integrating advances from philosophy, psychology, history, sociology, and anthropology into a holistic view. Crucial in our political climate, the book fights the myths of science often portrayed to the public.
Written for a general audience, it also enables students to better grasp methodologies and helps professional scientists to articulate what they do and why.
Advance Praise
We live in a world where the discoveries of well-done science are rapidly improving the lives of millions; but at the same time poorly done inquiry that fails to meet the foundational principles of science, even when carried out with all good intentions, can result in harmful false conclusions resulting in wasting of resources, bad results for individuals and bad public policy for nations. Dr. Zimring has produced a marvelously cogent and eminently readable book that explains how to recognize good science and know when to question poor 'scientific' conclusions. Reading this book places scientists and non-scientists on the same playing field when discussing critical issues and making important decisions. I would feel much better going to the polls if every voter understood the lessons that Zimring effortlessly communicates.-Brian R. Smith, Yale University, Connecticut
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9781108476850 |
| PRICE | $25.99 (USD) |
Featured Reviews
Darya Y, Reviewer
Science was always my area of interest and passion. This is the field of mystery and curiousity for my mind. This book is a deep and thoughtful reading and if you really dive into it, there are a lot of interesting things to feed your curious brain with. I found many philosophical aspects for me and the whole reading was like having a talk with the author.
Ula T, Reviewer
Interesting work about theory of science and scientific method. In short, you must accept - even embrace- that science won’t explain everything, but hey, it’s worth trying ;-) I have to warn that it is not a pop-science book, rather a textbook, but for interested in the topic it will be an inspiring read.
richard b, Reviewer
If you possess a really serious interest in science this wonderful book is a must read. On the other hand, if you have only a passing interest in scientific research avoid this book at all costs. It is a very deep dive into the philosophy of the scientific method and it is written only for fervid scientific scholars. A "man in the street" reader will lose interest very quickly. For the serious scientific reader this book is a masterpiece!
Stephen G, Reviewer
Interesting look at how science is different from other learning systems
I enjoyed this book. James Zimring wrote a clear, well-reasoned and well-supported review of the inner workings of science. He doesn’t whitewash - he discusses some of the mistakes scientists make but also shows how science self-corrects. And he does this with a good sense of humor. While most of the footnotes were typical citations, many did elucidate the subject matter and some were just funny, so read those. I recommend this book for anyone interested in science.
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