Author: Jerome Ravetz
A new look at scientific history - revealing the extremes of dogmatism and uncertainty, and considering the role of science in society.
Foreword, Contents and Introduction
'The _No-Nonsense Guide to Science_ gives far the best easy-accessible critical account of today's techno-science. Hence I strongly recommend the book, and forsee that it will give birth to a new wave of critical science studies that recognizes that philsophers of science have so far only interpreted science in certain ways; the point is to change it!' - Journal of Science Studies.
Science is still the great intellectual adventure, but now it is also seen as an instrument of profit, power and privilege. Wrongly used, it might yet make the 21st century our last. To make sense of this we need to let go of old ideas and assumptions.
In this No-Nonsense Guide, Jerome Ravetz introduces a new way of thinking about science, moving away from simplistic ideas of perfect certainty and objectivity. We must accept uncertainty and ignorance in the field as well as the need for citizens’ participation in the policies involving science.
The book gives a fresh look at science’s history, with a guide to the key theories, and concludes with a questionnaire that enables anyone engaged in science to locate themselves in the bigger picture.
About the Author: Jerry Ravetz was formerly Professor of the History and Philosophy of Science at Leeds University. He is the author of the classic study, Scientific Knowledge and its Social Problems, among other publications. He helped to found the Council for Science and Society, and is a pioneer in the area of science and safety. He is now an independent scholar and self-employed consultant, working mainly on problems of the management of uncertainty in risks and environmental issues.
Format: | Paperback |
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Dimensions: | 180 x 110mm |
Page extent: | 144 pages |
Publication date: | September 2006 |
ISBN-13: | 978-1-904456-46-9 |
Date added: August 22, 2010
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