The Joy of Science: An Examination of How Scientists Ask and Answer Questions Using the Story of Evolution as a Paradigm

Scientists have great passion. What could be more exhilarating than to go to work every day feeling as if you were once again a nine-year-old called up to he stage to help the magician with his trick? To be a researcher is to always be in the position of having the chance to see how the trick works. No wonder that many researchers feel that each new day is the most exciting day to be a scientist. It therefore is not surprising that scientists have such trouble communicating with non-scientists. It is difficult for the scientist to understand a life not focused on the desire to understand. But the differences are not that. Everyone wants to understand; that is one of the factors that make us human. The difference is more that scientists limit their definition of comprehension to specific rules of logic and evidence. These rules apply and are used in everyday life, but often with less rigor or restrictions on evidence.

From the reviews:

"The Joy of Science" is an illustrated guide to critical thinking based on the principles of scientific inquiry. This book is written primarily for the non-scientist, but scientists and teachers will be interested in the clever analogies, fascinating facts and classic stories. It provides an outstanding guide for teachers and students to understand the origins and value of scientific reasoning. J. Marie Hardwick, Johns Hopkins University, Schools of Public Health and Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA

"The Joy of Science" is a book that might change your understanding of "Science" and "View of Life" in a substantial way. Richard Lockshin makes complex elements easy to grasp and more importantly, he is teaching the right way to approach biology and its influence in modern thinking. There are no specific prerequisites to reading and understanding this book. "The Joy of Science" is one of the most rewarding books on scientific methodology and evolution. It should be read not only by scientists or students but by anyone with a basic background in biology and a willingness to stretch their minds. Mauro Piacentini, Professor of Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome Italy.

This textbook is a liberal approach to the teaching of Natural Science. Author and Professor Richard Lockshin demonstrate that the learning of science must be accompanied by learning about science. Students who use the text with a supportive teacher and teaching environment will increase their general science literacy with respect to Natural Science content, particularly the topic of evolution, as well as their literacy with respect to how the scientific enterprise works. This book should well serve the needs for a first course in college science, particularly for non-science majors. Dr. Daniel J. Brovey,Professor Emeritus, Science and Technology Eduatio, Queens College, CUNY, New York, USA

"Using evolution as the focus, this book explores how scientists ask questions and what constitutes a robust and valid answer. Who is it for? Primarily for the non-scientist or those wishing for a refreshing perspective on ‘science for the non-scientist’. Presentation It provides lots of analogies, metaphors, facts and stories about science. Would you recommend it? This is an interesting and lively text on evolution and the history of the Earth." (Times Higher Education, May, 2008)

"The Joy of Science is indeed a joy to read. It is well organized, concise, and informative. Though this book is geared for one- or two-semester courses for nonscience students, it has aspects appropriate for other intellectually diverse programs. ... Excellent supportive graphic materials are found throughout the work. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through graduate students." (J. N. Muzio, Choice, Vol. 46 (2), October, 2008)

“The Joy of Science is a textbook on evolution ... . wrote for university students, but we may also hypothesize some uses in high school. ... Each chapter ends with a series of good ‘essay style’ questions to be used in consolidating learning. An index helps in locating particular arguments in the book. ... Richard Lockshin’s endeavor to present scientific explanations as problem solving in their historical context is very interesting and realized in The Joy of Science.” (Emanuele Serrelli, Evolution: Education & Outreach, Vol. 2 (4), December, 2009)