The Unnatural Nature of Science: Why Science Does Not Make (Common) Sense

Lewis Wolpert

ISBN 10: 0571164900 / ISBN 13: 9780571164905

Published by Faber and Faber Ltd, London, UK, 1992

About this Item

Pages slightly tanned towards the edges, fourth printing of the 1992 first edition.

Seller Inventory # 021894

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Unnatural Nature of Science: Why Science Does Not Make (Common) Sense
• Publisher: Faber and Faber Ltd, London, UK
• Publication Date: 1992
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0571164900
• ISBN 13: 9780571164905
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: Very Good
• Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good

About this title

Synopsis

This book shows that many of our understandings about scientific thought can be corrected once we realise just how "unnatural" science actually is. Quoting scientists from Aristotle to Einstein, the author argues that scientific ideas are, with rare exceptions, counter-intuitive and that common sense often makes no sense at all. A passionate advocate of the beauty and importance of science, the author examines a range of issues, including why science and technology are quite different, why psychoanalysis is not properly scientific and why philosophers and sociologists have made so little contribution to understanding science's true nature. He demonstrates the folly of holding scientists responsible for many of society's problems, and the equal folly of looking to science for a miracle cure.

From the Back Cover

This is a scientist's view of the culture of science; authoritative and informed and at the same time mercifully accessible to those who find cohabiting with this culture a puzzling experience.