In Defense of Science: Why Scientific Literacy Matters - Softcover

Spellman, Frank R.; Price-Bayer, Joan

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1641432500 ISBN 13: 9781641432504

Publisher: Bernan Press, 2018

Synopsis

In an era when many in the science community feel that science is under attack, In Defense of Science explains why ordinary citizens need to have an understanding of science, its methods, and its groundbreaking discoveries. The authors debunk several misconceptions of science and scientists, and advocate that science is an integral part of society and everyday life.

This book begins with an introduction to science and its basic concepts, including a brief and entertaining history of science and scientific discoveries, before taking on current views of science in society. It surveys the many sources of our ideas of science, including pop culture, classics of literature, news media, and political discourse. Much of the information from these sources tends to mislead, and the only way to guard against such misinformation is to become scientifically literate, and promote scientific literacy in society. The book therefore delves into the reasons that so many people do not understand basic scientific principles and do not keep up with scientific breakthroughs, and finishes by examining the current state of science education. It includes many resources for further reading, and is presented in an engaging and entertaining way.

About this title

About the Author

Frank R. Spellman, PhD, is the author or co-author of more than 110 books on safety, occupational health and the sciences. He was formerly an assistant professor of environmental health at Old Dominion University.

Joan Price-Bayer is co-author of the previous edition of this book and the first edition of The Handbook of Nature.

Edition details

• Publisher: Bernan Press
• Publication date: 2018
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1641432500
• ISBN 13: 9781641432504
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 232