The Unnatural Nature of Science

by Lewis Wolpert

Book Overview

How is it that nobody--except maybe scientists--sees science for what it is? In this entertaining and provocative book, Lewis Wolpert draws on the entire history of science, from Thales of Miletus to Watson and Crick, from the study of eugenics to the discovery of the double helix. The result 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...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0674929810
• ISBN13: 9780674929814
• Release Date: April 2000
• Publisher: Harvard University Press
• Length: 191 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.5" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Important concepts about science

To me this is a very valuable book because what he discusses is at the roots of the trouble people have in understanding science. The review by Luc Reynaert highlighted important aspects of the book. The flaws pointed by other reviewers are, to me, secondary to the contribution of setting science apart from common sense. The other book about the subject that I like immensely is Uncommon sense by Alan Cromer. He further explores the subject and links it to the effectiveness of teaching science.

What is science, how it developed, and how it differs from technology

This is a down-to-earth, clear introduction to the scientific way of thinking. I agree with evolutionist R. Dawkins's advice that the book should be read regardless of your personal views about science and scientists. I believe Wolpert's book is an excellent introduction to science because it clarifies how technology and science are different and yet feed on each other;and enable the advance of our knowledge of the real world. What impressed me the most is the author's separation of "common-sense beliefs" from scientific thinking. And how serendipity arises from hard work, educated guesses and "inspiration";the willingness to take a leap into the darkness and advance predictions that can be tested in the laboratory or by other observations and measurements (e.g., in cosmology).

Common sense.

Excellent essay about the real nature of science and the fact that day-to-day common sense will never give an understanding of the nature of science.Absolutely to the point are his analyses of science and technology (science produces ideas whereas technology results in the production of usable objects), science and philosophy (science has been immune to philosophical doubts) & science and morality (decisions are political and economic).His viewpoint on genetic engineering is 'common sense': "... genetic engineering ... has so far damaged no one. By contrast, smoking, AIDS, drugs and alcohol have caused massive damage to children in utero." (p.168)Particularly impressive are the chapters on 'Science and religion' (7) where the author defends secularism, and on 'Moral and Immoral Science' (8).This book contains some very painful paragraphs on Konrad Lorenz.A must read for everybody interested in western and scientific culture.