When Science Goes Wrong: The Desire and Search for Truth

A fundamental misunderstanding of the role and function of science hinders the science/faith discussion. This misunderstand was made most evident during the recent pandemic, with ideas about the universe, planet Earth, and the evolution of life that were reasonable but ultimately wrong. Theology, philosophy, or even mathematics may lay claim to eternal truths, but in science, our cosmologies change. Religions and science are strengthened by experiencing a shift in our assumptions, and the point of our science is not to come up with the right answer.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 168 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2023
Publisher: Paulist Press International,U.S.

The science/faith discussion is often hindered by a fundamental misunderstanding of the role and function of science. This misunderstand was made most evident, with tragic consequences, during the recent pandemic. The ways that science has gone wrong, and the underlying causes of how it goes wrong, will be illustrated here with a series of historical essays describing ideas about the universe, planet Earth, and the evolution of life that were all based on ideas that were reasonable…but ultimately wrong. Some are amusing in retrospect; others are tragic.

Theology, philosophy, or even mathematics may lay claim to eternal truths, but in science, our very cosmologies change. Just as the major religions have adapted in the face of changing cultural cosmologies, so too has science adapted in the face of challenging new observations and new ideas. Religions and science are strengthened by experiencing a shift in our assumptions; that's where we find out what's essential, and what is cultural baggage.

Ultimately, the point of our science is not to come up with the right answer. Both as scientists and as human beings, we know that sometimes we learn the most by encountering ideas that challenge us. When we say, "I know that can't be right; so, where did it go wrong?" we gain a greater insight into what we do believe, and what it really means.

Endorsements

As an antidote to our penchant to treat scientific findings as settled facts, the authors discuss the scientific method, rightly understood as a gift compatible with faith in our search for truth and meaning. —Archbishop Emeritus Joseph E. Kurtz, Archdiocese of Louisville

Departing refreshingly from the typically pontifical tone of popular science books, here are two experts who educate us on the ups and downs of the history of science.

Weight: 227g
Dimension: 203 x 137 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780809156641