"Evidence of a flight from reason is as old as human record-keeping: the fact of it certainly goes back an even longer way. Flight from science specifically, among the forms of rational inquiry, goes back as far as science itself... But rejection of reason is now a pattern to be found in most branches of scholarship and in all the learned professions."--from the introduction

In the widely acclaimed Higher Superstition: The Academic Left and Its Quarrels with Science, Paul R. Gross and Norman Levitt offered a spirited response to the "science bashers", raising serious questions about the growing criticism of scientific practice from humanists and social scientists on the academic left. Now, in The Flight from Science and Reason, Gross and Levitt are joined by Martin W. Lewis to bring together a diverse and distinguished group of scholars, scientists, and experts to engage these questions from a wide variety of perspectives.

The authors take on critics of science whose views range from moderate to extreme, from social constructivists to deconstructionists, from creationists and feminists to Afro-centrists. They discuss the rise of "alternative medicine" and radical environmentalism (here skewered as "ecosentimentalism"). They explain why the "uncertainty principle" does not work as a metaphor for ambiguity, and why "chaos theory" cannot be invoked without an understanding of mathematics. Throughout, they grapple with the paradox inherent in arguing with opponents who contend that reason itself, and thus logic, is suspect.

Distributed for the New York Academy of Sciences

About the Author

Paul R. Gross, former director of the Woods Hole Marine Biological Laboratory, is University Professor of Life Sciences and director of the Center for Advanced Studies at the University of Virginia. Norman Levitt is professor of mathematics at Rutgers University and the author of Grassmannians and Gauss Maps in Piecewise-Linear Topology. Martin W. Lewis is professor of geography at Duke University and the author of Green Delusions: An Environmentalist Critique of Radical Environmentalism.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

Specializing in monographs and texts in Mathematics, Computer Science, Science, Engineering, Social Sciences, Psychology. Photography and Science Fiction.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Association Member

Members of these associations are committed to maintaining the highest standards. They vouch for the authenticity of all items offered for sale. They provide expert and detailed descriptions, disclose all significant defects and/or restorations, provide clear and accurate pricing, and operate with fairness and honesty during the purchase experience.

Seller's business information

George Cross Books
MA, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

George Cross Books guarantees the condition of every book as it is described. If
you are dissatisfied for any reason, return your purchase within 7 days of receipt
for a full refund of the purchase price. We'll also refund shipping costs if the
return was a result of our error. Please send us an email before making a return.
Contact details: George Cross, 6 3rd St, Lexington MA 02420, USA. Email:
georgecrossbooks@gmail.com. Phone number: 877-822-8763. Fax Number: 877-822-
8763.

Shipping Terms

Orders usually ship within 2 business days. Free shipping applies to Media Mail in the United States and FPO/APO/AE/AP zip codes where Media Mail is permitted. Please note that Media Mail to Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico may take 3-5 weeks, and Priority mail is encouraged for these locales expecially for textbooks. Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	5 to 14 business days	3 to 6 business days
First item	US$ 4.00	US$ 8.99

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.