Pythagoras' Trousers:: Physics, Faith, and Feminism

by Margaret Wertheim

Book Overview

Presents a social and cultural history of physics and argues that the under-representation of women in the field is linked to the religious origins of the science.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 081292200X
• ISBN13: 9780812922004
• Release Date: August 1995
• Publisher: Crown Publishing Group (NY)
• Length: 279 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.4" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

Reviewer Paul Wallis: author 'Be Thou my Breastplate'

Whether approached out of an interest in cosmology, mathematics, gender politics or Christian apologetics Wertheim's masterful (can I use that word?) treatment tracing the relationship between theology and mathematics will not disappoint. The enthusiasm of the reader only enhances the weight of scholarship represented by this book. Unless one is the ultimate "renaissance person" the reader is bound to find new angles, a lot of information and a few surprises in what Wertheim has woven together. Reframing some pivotal moments in intellectual history and recontextualizing some of the great cosmological questions of today Wertheim opens up a whole world of mind-changing implications for the thoughtful reader. If you read Pythagoras' Trousers with that end in mind then I am confident you will not be disappointed. Paul Wallis: author 'Be Thou My Breastplate - 40 days of giving your life to God the Celtic way.' "This serene, superb...book is...a rich gift to the Church." (Phyllis Tickle)

"GUT or TOE - Looking For The Basics, Madam"

"Pythagoras' Trousers: God, Physics & The Gender Wars," Margaret Wertheim, NY, Random House, 1995 ISBN: 0-8129-2200-Xm HC 280 pgs., (10 pgs. Biblio., Index 18 pgs.), 9 1/2" x 6 1/4" An Australian writer with BS major in physics & BA major in math, Wertheim writes with exemplary literary style & credits include science/tech writings for TV, Radio, & consequential magazines. Her thesis is summarized in the book's last sentence: "The time has come for a mathematically based science envisioned and practiced equally by both sexes." Literally, this equates to physics being historically & currently still dominated by males (in same fashion as Catholic Priesthood bars women) & whose mission or quest in finding the Theory of Everything (TOE) is misdirected & financially irresponsible - but that society would benefit by having the woman's touch or participation by virtue of females having been acculturated differently. The author quite brilliantly reviews & chronicles the sciences of math-based astronomy & physics with respect to who, what, where, why & how important findings arose & were received by populace, Popes or "religiosa", & fellow scientists from ancient times to the present - noting & documenting the all but rare females of science who were, in effect, banned by decree or barred from participation. Those female exceptions (Marie Curie, etc.) are exposed in considerable detail, fully noting their censures, the hostile criticisms & limitations under which they were forced to function. The book is written largely from a feminist's viewpoint, one who has thoroughly documented the cause celebre. I'd disagree with the author's desire to abdandon the quest for the General Unified Theory (GUT) or TOE as too expernsive & socially irresponsible. The book title's reference to his trousers is given in Chapter 1. It is a very good read & we obtain a good account of religion & science, at times wed & other times waging war with the other.

Great selection for a book club!

As a female engineer currently teaching college-level physics, I love this book! Wertheim explores 3 of my favorite topics (God, Physics, and Gender) in an immensely readable way. She persuasively sets Western Science into its cultural context, including its religious context. I found her conclusions to be careful - women can bring different perspectives into the field of physics not because of innate differences, but because in general, we have been acculturated differently. While I have read many of the science/gender studies authors that Wertheim cites in her book (e.g. Merchant, Harding, Noble), I would compare Wertheim to an author such as Dava Sobel (Longitude; Galileo's Daughter). Like Sobel, she writes to an intelligent readership without assuming an expertise in the topic. I have given "Pythagoras' Trousers" to friends with little background in science, but an interest in gender issues (I suggested it for a book club reading). I also lent it to my mom who was drawn to the "God" part of the title. They all thoroughly enjoyed the book and learned more about the subject I teach. We were able to have some wonderful conversations.

Valuable book; less than scholarly but more than truthful!

A number of (male) chemistry and physics colleagues recommended this book to me before I read it. After I read it (one of my first books about gender and science) I had to agree with them that it was outstanding - a delightful and eye-opening book for scientists and science students who, like me, had never been exposed to more rigorous writings in gender studies. Wertheim's message is not one that the die-hard, non-feminist, scientist wants to hear. The looseness of the historical and philosophical writing gives feminism's detractors ample grounds, therefore, on which to denigrate it. But truth is truth - and this book rings true on all levels that I (a Full Professor of Physics) can probe. Now that I have read other books in the field of gender studies, I know that there are plenty of extremely tightly reasoned and readable books by e.g. Shapin, Noble and Sheibinger that one can follow up with. (These would convince the skeptical reader - if he will allow himself to be convinced - that Wertheim's conclusions are extremely well-founded!)

Should be a compulsory read for all first-year uni students!

As a female engineer -- somewhat cynical about organised religion and having experienced the maleness of scientific academia and profession -- I found this to be one of the most interesting, entertaining, and intelligent books I have read in a long time. Firstly, it presents a concise and very readable account of the illuminating history and sociology of science, mathematics and engineering (to which their students sadly gain far too little exposure). Secondly, the argument adds a new dimension and depth (for some reason hidden until now!) to our understanding of the perceived barriers facing women to the study and practice of science, mathematics, and engineering. This issue has gained increasing attention from universities and professional institutions, who at least claim to be attempting to remedy the situation. All our attempts would be wiser for a better understanding of the deep-seated cultural and institutional bases of this bias, and for a better appreciation of the significant but largely unsung contributions of women to our scientific progress. Concerning the debate about the "feminisation" of science: the author's point-of-view is not a new one, but she certainly argues the case with more vigour and valid evidence than previous accounts I have read. As a fresh and enlightened contribution to an ongoing debate, I think this book deserves a place in the literature. Credit where credit's due to the author for her hard work and boldness!