This work attempts to define what is "science" and, more importantly, what is not science. Tony Barnett faces superstition, magic and charlatanry, political platforms masquerading as scientifically-based programmes and pseudobiology, and gives rational responses to them based on authentic science. He shows how scientific methods can be applied to specific everyday problems and scientifically scrutinizes a number of popular but erroneous beliefs, from the repellent to the absurd. Barnett gives a down-to-earth but optimistic account of what scientists do: their struggles; the limitations of science; what makes science distinctive as a practice; the contrasting roles of logic and intuition; and the moral implications. Throughout, he aims to avoid vague generalizations and emphasize practical implications, pointing to ways in which science can serve both truth and humanity.
- ISBN13 9781865081229
- Publish Date 1 April 2000
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 23 December 2014
- Publish Country AU
- Imprint Allen & Unwin
- Format Paperback
- Pages 224
- Language English