The Tangle of Science: Reliability Beyond Method, Rigour, and Objectivity

Science is reliable because it is underpinned by a vast network of other scientific products, such as the scientific method, rigour, and objectivity. This book proposes a new model of science that places its products front and centre, bringing back into focus areas that have been long neglected and emphasizing how every product works together to support results we can trust.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 08 December 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Science is an incredible tool that has enabled us to achieve remarkable feats, such as sending humans to the moon, performing laser eye surgery, uncovering the secrets of ancient civilizations and species, and predicting the future of our climate. What makes science so reliable is a topic that this book explores in depth. While the scientific method, rigor, and objectivity are often cited as the foundations of scientific reliability, the author argues that these alone are insufficient.

In The Tangle of Science, the author proposes a new model of science that emphasizes the importance of placing scientific products at the forefront. The book demonstrates how any reliable piece of science is underpinned by a vast, diverse, and thick network of other scientific products. By bringing back into focus areas of science that have been long neglected, the book emphasizes how every product, from the screws that hold the space shuttle together to ways of measuring the consumer price index, to Einstein's theory of general relativity, works together to support results that we can trust.

One of the key insights of the book is that science is not a linear process, but rather a complex web of interconnected ideas and discoveries. The author argues that by recognizing the interconnectedness of scientific products, we can better understand how they support each other and contribute to our understanding of the world. For example, the author discusses how the theory of general relativity, which is a fundamental theory of physics, is supported by a wide range of other scientific products, such as measurements of the speed of light and the behavior of celestial bodies.

Another important aspect of the book is that it emphasizes the importance of collaboration and teamwork in scientific research. The author argues that scientific progress is not achieved by individual scientists working in isolation, but rather by teams of researchers working together to solve complex problems. The book provides examples of successful collaborations that have led to important scientific discoveries, such as the discovery of the Higgs boson particle by the Large Hadron Collider.

In conclusion, The Tangle of Science is a thought-provoking book that challenges our understanding of scientific reliability. By placing scientific products at the forefront and emphasizing the interconnectedness of scientific ideas and discoveries, the book provides a new model of science that can help us better understand the world and make more informed decisions. Whether you are a scientist, a student, or simply someone interested in the world around us, this book is a must-read for anyone who wants to better understand the incredible power of science.

Weight: 546g
Dimension: 161 x 241 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198866343