Description: Discusses some of the most popular misconceptions about science, and their continuing role in the public imagination. Drawing upon the history and philosophy of science it challenges widespread assumptions and misunderstandings, from creationism and climate change to the use of statistics and computer modeling. The result is an engaging introduction to contentious issues in the philosophy of science and a new way of looking at the role of science in society.
Brief description: Paul Dicken received his PhD from the University of Cambridge, and has held academic positions at universities in the UK, Germany and Australia.
Review Quotes:
"[So] beautifully, passionately written, in such an engaging, subjective manner, that it deserves a secure place on the library shelf, where it's sure to influence, inspire, even transform the outlier student. Where else would you find a philosophy of science text that dared quote at length from Jean-Paul Sartre's 1938 novel Nausea? Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty and professionals; general readers." --CHOICE
"Paul Dicken takes us on a romp through the history and philosophy of science. This is a fun and accessible resource for anyone who wants to think more carefully about how science works." --Kevin Elliott, Associate Professor, Michigan State University, USA "It is very readable ... [and] the book's message is an important one and should serve as a great springboard for further discussion and exploration of the literature, or perhaps even as an introductory read to coursework." --The Inquisitive Biologist