Science Wars: The Battle over Knowledge and Reality

The public often struggles to understand and internalize scientific facts, which can be amplified during political controversies. Steven L. Goldman's book, "Science Wars," explores the history of scientific knowledge and the ongoing debate over how we know what we say we know. It highlights the importance of scientists explaining their research to nonscientists and the need for nonscientists to incorporate science into public policies. The book provides thoughtful discussions on scientific, philosophical, and historical topics, engaging with the arguments of both sides.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 24 March 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

The general public often finds it challenging to comprehend and internalize scientific facts, leading to disputes and political controversies. Politicians often rely on the perceptions of their constituents when making decisions that impact public policy, particularly in areas such as climate change and COVID-19. Ensuring that the public understands scientific information accurately is crucial. In his book, Steven L. Goldman delves into the public's suspicion of scientific knowledge claims, tracing it to a widespread misunderstanding reinforced by scientists themselves.

Goldman's book spans sixteen chapters, taking readers on a journey through the history of scientific knowledge, from Plato and Aristotle to the birth of modern science and its evolution into a powerful force for social change. He explains how scientists have grappled with their understanding of what they know, how theories evolve, and why the public may misunderstand the reliability of scientific knowledge claims.

Through numerous examples drawn from the history of philosophy and science, the chapters illustrate an ongoing debate over how we know what we claim to know and the relationship between knowledge and reality. Goldman covers a wide range of ideas, from the founders of modern science to John Locke's response to Newton's theories, Thomas Kuhn's re-interpretation of scientific knowledge, and the Science Wars that followed. He relates these historical disputes to current issues, emphasizing the important role scientists play in explaining their research to nonscientists and the effort nonscientists must make to incorporate science into public policies.

In conclusion, Steven L. Goldman's book provides valuable insights into the public's perception of scientific knowledge and the challenges faced by scientists in communicating their findings to the broader public. By exploring the history of scientific knowledge and the ongoing debates surrounding it, Goldman helps readers better understand the role of science in shaping our understanding of the world and the importance of incorporating scientific knowledge into public policies.

Dimension: 235 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197518625