Overview

The very notion of scientific truth is in question. This book aims to offer a constructive response to those who contend that there is no such thing as verifiable objective truth - without which there could be no scientific authority. The reader is given a guided tour of the intellectual structure of physical science and the understanding of reality engendered by modern physics, the most theoretically advanced of the sciences. It explores models, facts, theories, intuition and imagintion, the use of analogies and metaphors, the importance of mathematics and the ""virtual"" reality of the physics of micro-particles.

Full Product Details

9780674910928

Table of Contents

Reviews

"[""The Truth of Science""] makes very interesting reading for its analysis of how science works. It also provides for the scientist particularly a useful introduction to relativist ideas.--B.D. Josephson ""Endeavour "" It is, of course, useful for scientists to be reminded that others often have very different views of science and that they should be prepared to talk to them. However, such discussions are often surprisingly difficult, and this book should help scientists to have a reasonable public debate...The author says that his book is intended for anyone with some scientific education...not for professional philosophers or sociologists of science. However, I think it would be useful for both groups. It would help the former to widen their horizons and provide the latter with some professional guidance in language that is not too technical...[One] philosopher who specializes in the history of quantum theory...intends to buy the book--and I hope others like her will do so too.--Douglas Morrison ""Physics World "" Much has been written...about the Science Wars. Attacks on science come from many fronts, ranging from postmodern deconstructionists to penny-pinching congressmen to Christian fundamentalists to ordinary citizens who feel confused by conflicting discoveries, intimidated by the difficulty of understanding modern theories, and threatened by a world view that seems to rob their lives of the security and comfort of religion...In ""The Truth of Science"" Newton quotes the physicist Percy Bridgman's definition of the scientific method: 'to use your noodle, and no holds barred.' For those who want to pursue a better understanding and appreciation of the world of science, its methods and results, there is no better place to start than this eminently readable work by the distinguished physicist, R. G. Newton.--Lucy Horwitz ""Boston Book Review "" Newton offers us fascinating non-technical accounts of many physical theories and an obviously sincere and passionate defence of the standing of his discipline. As he rightly points out, much that is written in the name of social constructivism shows ignorance of and even hostility to science.--James W. McAllister ""Times Literary Supplement "" This is an excellent, erudite and interesting book. It portrays science as an extremely productive method and underlines the fact that the prosperity of our world is the fruit of our scientific endeavour. Newton makes you proud to be a scientist. Read this, and pat yourself on the back.--David Hughes ""New Scientist "" makes you proud to be a scientist. Read this, and pat yourself on the back. name of social constructivism shows ignorance of and even hostility to science. the history of quantum theory...intends to buy the book--and I hope others like her will do so too. world of science, its methods and results, there is no better place to start than this eminently readable work by the distinguished physicist, R. G. Newton. �""The Truth of Science""� makes very interesting reading for its analysis of how science works. It also provides for the scientist particularly a useful introduction to relativist ideas. -- B.D. Josephson ""Endeavour"""

"[""The Truth of Science""] makes very interesting reading for its analysis of how science works. It also provides for the scientist particularly a useful introduction to relativist ideas.--B.D. Josephson ""Endeavour "" It is, of course, useful for scientists to be reminded that others often have very different views of science and that they should be prepared to talk to them. However, such discussions are often surprisingly difficult, and this book should help scientists to have a reasonable public debate...The author says that his book is intended for anyone with some scientific education...not for professional philosophers or sociologists of science. However, I think it would be useful for both groups. It would help the former to widen their horizons and provide the latter with some professional guidance in language that is not too technical...[One] philosopher who specializes in the history of quantum theory...intends to buy the book--and I hope others like her will do so too.--Douglas Morrison ""Physics World "" Much has been written...about the Science Wars. Attacks on science come from many fronts, ranging from postmodern deconstructionists to penny-pinching congressmen to Christian fundamentalists to ordinary citizens who feel confused by conflicting discoveries, intimidated by the difficulty of understanding modern theories, and threatened by a world view that seems to rob their lives of the security and comfort of religion...In ""The Truth of Science"" Newton quotes the physicist Percy Bridgman's definition of the scientific method: 'to use your noodle, and no holds barred.' For those who want to pursue a better understanding and appreciation of the world of science, its methods and results, there is no better place to start than this eminently readable work by the distinguished physicist, R. G. Newton.--Lucy Horwitz ""Boston Book Review "" Newton offers us fascinating non-technical accounts of many physical theories and an obviously sincere and passionate defence of the standing of his discipline. As he rightly points out, much that is written in the name of social constructivism shows ignorance of and even hostility to science.--James W. McAllister ""Times Literary Supplement "" This is an excellent, erudite and interesting book. It portrays science as an extremely productive method and underlines the fact that the prosperity of our world is the fruit of our scientific endeavour. Newton makes you proud to be a scientist. Read this, and pat yourself on the back.--David Hughes ""New Scientist "" makes you proud to be a scientist. Read this, and pat yourself on the back. name of social constructivism shows ignorance of and even hostility to science. the history of quantum theory...intends to buy the book--and I hope others like her will do so too. world of science, its methods and results, there is no better place to start than this eminently readable work by the distinguished physicist, R. G. Newton. Ý""The Truth of Science""¨ makes very interesting reading for its analysis of how science works. It also provides for the scientist particularly a useful introduction to relativist ideas. -- B.D. Josephson ""Endeavour"""

It is, of course, useful for scientists to be reminded that others often have very different views of science and that they should be prepared to talk to them. However, such discussions are often surprisingly difficult, and this book should help scientists to have a reasonable public debate...The author says that his book is intended for anyone with some scientific education...not for professional philosophers or sociologists of science. However, I think it would be useful for both groups. It would help the former to widen their horizons and provide the latter with some professional guidance in language that is not too technical...[One] philosopher who specializes in the history of quantum theory...intends to buy the book--and I hope others like her will do so too.--Douglas Morrison Physics World

It is, of course, useful for scientists to be reminded that others often have very different views of science and that they should be prepared to talk to them. However, such discussions are often surprisingly difficult, and this book should help scientists to have a reasonable public debate...The author says that his book is intended for anyone with some scientific education...not for professional philosophers or sociologists of science. However, I think it would be useful for both groups. It would help the former to widen their horizons and provide the latter with some professional guidance in language that is not too technical...[One] philosopher who specializes in the history of quantum theory...intends to buy the book--and I hope others like her will do so too. -- Douglas Morrison Physics World

Author Information

Tab Content 6

Countries Available