What Science Is and How It Works
- ISBN-10
- 1400823110
- ISBN-13
- 9781400823116
- Category
- Science
- Pages
- 328
- Language
- English
- Published
- 2002-03-04
- Publisher
- Princeton University Press
- Author
- Gregory N. Derry
Description
How does a scientist go about solving problems? How do scientific discoveries happen? Why are cold fusion and parapsychology different from mainstream science? What is a scientific worldview? In this lively and wide-ranging book, Gregory Derry talks about these and other questions as he introduces the reader to the process of scientific thinking. From the discovery of X rays and semiconductors to the argument for continental drift to the invention of the smallpox vaccine, scientific work has proceeded through honest observation, critical reasoning, and sometimes just plain luck. Derry starts out with historical examples, leading readers through the events, experiments, blind alleys, and thoughts of scientists in the midst of discovery and invention. Readers at all levels will come away with an enriched appreciation of how science operates and how it connects with our daily lives. An especially valuable feature of this book is the actual demonstration of scientific reasoning. Derry shows how scientists use a small number of powerful yet simple methods--symmetry, scaling, linearity, and feedback, for example--to construct realistic models that describe a number of diverse real-life problems, such as drug uptake in the body, the inner workings of atoms, and the laws of heredity. Science involves a particular way of thinking about the world, and Derry shows the reader that a scientific viewpoint can benefit most personal philosophies and fields of study. With an eye to both the power and limits of science, he explores the relationships between science and topics such as religion, ethics, and philosophy. By tackling the subject of science from all angles, including the nuts and bolts of the trade as well as its place in the overall scheme of life, the book provides a perfect place to start thinking like a scientist.
Get the book
Similar books
-
Chemistry: An Introduction to General, Organic and Biological Chemistry
By Karen C. TimberlakeThis new edition introduces more problem-solving strategies and new conceptual and challenge problems. Also, each Chapter Review has been enhanced with Learning Goals to reinforce the mastery of concepts for students.
-
Chemistry: An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry
By Karen TimberlakeThis laboratory manual contains 42 experiments for the standard sequence of topics in general, organic, and biological chemistry.
-
Basic Chemistry
By Karen C. TimberlakeThe book guides students through basic chemistry problem solving with engaging visuals and a focus on developing the math skills necessary to be successful in the course.
-
General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry: Structures of Life, eBook, Global Edition
By Karen C. TimberlakeThe full text downloaded to your computer With eBooks you can: search for key concepts, words and phrases make highlights and notes as you study share your notes with friends eBooks are downloaded to your computer and accessible either ...
-
Basic Chemistry
By Karen C. Timberlake, William E. TimberlakeBasic Chemistry
-
Basic Chemistry, Books a la Carte Edition
By Karen C. TimberlakeBasic Chemistry, Books a la Carte Edition
-
Essential Laboratory Manual for General, Organic and Biological Chemistry
By Karen C. TimberlakeEssential Laboratory Manual for General, Organic and Biological Chemistry
-
Basic Chemistry, Global Edition
By Karen C. Timberlake, Bill TimberlakeThe main objective in writing this text is to make the study of chemistry an engaging and a positive experience for students by relating the structure and behaviour of matter to real life.
-
General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry: An Integrated Approach
By Karen C. Timberlake, Laura D. Frost, Todd S. DealThe eText pages look exactly like the printed text, and include powerful interactive and customization functions. This is the product access code card for MasteringChemistry with Pearson eText and does not include the actual bound book.
-
Chemistry: An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry
By Karen C. TimberlakeHealth, Environmental, and Green Chemistry Notes throughout the text relate chemistry chapters to real-life topics in health, the environment, and medicine that are interesting and motivating to students.