Synopsis
This is an engrossing book. It is also an unusual book: it is written by a scientist who is quite willing to talk about the softer side of life, about things such as love and respect and responsibility, and to try and position them in the context of his science. He is also willing to talk about religion, the manner in which it relates to science and science to it, and to attempt reconciliation of both. He sets himself a tough task, to tread the narrow path between the maudlin and the severely sober. In this, he is eminently successful. He is successful not because he aims at any grand synthesis, but because he has chosen the more modest path of simply laying out the cards on the table. This work is also unusual for another reason. The majority of books that attempt to explain science to a lay public, that try to describe its workings, its raison d'être, its hidden contents, its societal impact, its implications for our future, etc. , are written by theorists. This is hardly surprising. The theoretician, after all, is expected to think deeply, to be the great unifier, to be concernedwith meaning. Very few books about science are written by scientists, ones who spend their time in a working experimental laboratory. This is such a book. And because it is, it is also a very different book.
Review
`This book is an engrossing view of science, society, and their mutual interactions as seen through the eyes of a highly respected scientist. It is a must book for all who wish to read a profound and eloquent description of the modalities and limitations of scientific inquiry. Particularly enlightening are his discussions of ethics, morality, and religion as they are dealt with by scientists as practitioners and as human beings. Prof. Christophorou deserves a vote of gratitude for taking the time to put down his thoughts on his beloved science, and his hopes and expectations for humanity.'
Martin Pope, Professor Emeritus, New York University
`"Place of Science in a World of Values and Facts" by Prof. Christophorou represents a tour-de-force of astonishing breadth on the subject, for both scientist and general reader alike. Only a person steeped in the scientific enterprise in all its dimensions, discovering new knowledge, performing experiments, teaching students, writing, and managing science could have such a thorough grasp of the subject matter and present it so eloquently and vividly. To then place all of this knowledge within the context of human history and cultural evolution is an achievement of the first order. The author's disciplined, well-structured thinking, consummate scholarship, extensive notes and citations, plus his comprehensive connections to other work leave the reader satisfied that this is an authoritative book that brings into focus most current thinking on this subject. His discussion of the development of physics is particularly lucid, and the few equations are used to illustrate the approach, not obfuscate the concepts. His injection of mythological analogies and early historical developments gives the book a dimension that makes a natural connection to humanity's early dilemmas and modern human's inability to deal with these. The author's idealism and faith in humanity's future is most evident in the discussion of the intersection of science and religion, and the necessity for both in addressing the conundrums posed by our modern existence. In many ways, this is not only a book about science but also an inspirational and hopeful book as well. I heartily recommend it!'
Dr. Stamatios M. "Tom" Krimigis, Head, Space Dept., Applied Physics Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University
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