Title
Ignorance: How It Drives Science,New
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Knowledge is a big subject, says Stuart Firestein, but ignorance is a bigger one. And it is ignorancenot knowledgethat is the true engine of science.Most of us have a false impression of science as a surefire, deliberate, stepbystep method for finding things out and getting things done. In fact, says Firestein, more often than not, science is like looking for a black cat in a dark room, and there may not be a cat in the room. The process is more hitormiss than you might imagine, with much stumbling and groping after phantoms. But it is exactly this 'not knowing,' this puzzling over thorny questions or inexplicable data, that gets researchers into the lab early and keeps them there late, the thing that propels them, the very driving force of science. Firestein shows how scientists use ignorance to program their work, to identify what should be done, what the next steps are, and where they should concentrate their energies. And he includes a catalog of how scientists use ignorance, consciously or unconsciouslya remarkable range of approaches that includes looking for connections to other research, revisiting apparently settled questions, using small questions to get at big ones, and tackling a problem simply out of curiosity. The book concludes with four case historiesin cognitive psychology, theoretical physics, astronomy, and neurosciencethat provide a feel for the nuts and bolts of ignorance, the daytoday battle that goes on in scientific laboratories and in scientific minds with questions that range from the quotidian to the profound.Turning the conventional idea about science on its head, Ignorance opens a new window on the true nature of research. It is a mustread for anyone curious about science.
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We provide a 2-year limited warranty, from the date of purchase for all our products.
If you believe you have received a defective product, or are experiencing any problems with your product, please contact us.
This warranty strictly does not cover damages that arose from negligence, misuse, wear and tear, or not in accordance with product instructions (dropping the product, etc.).
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is the main theme of 'Ignorance: How It Drives Science'? A: The main theme of the book is that ignorance, rather than knowledge, is the driving force behind scientific inquiry. Author Stuart Firestein discusses how scientists use their lack of knowledge to explore questions and guide their research.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author of 'Ignorance: How It Drives Science' is Stuart Firestein, a renowned figure in the field of science and philosophy.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: This book is available in hardcover binding, which provides durability and a premium feel.
- Q: How many pages does the book contain? A: The book contains a total of 195 pages.
- Q: When was 'Ignorance: How It Drives Science' published? A: The book was published on April 23, 2012.
- Q: What topics are covered in the case histories within the book? A: The case histories in the book cover various scientific fields, including cognitive psychology, theoretical physics, astronomy, and neuroscience, illustrating the role of ignorance in research.
- Q: What is the target audience for this book? A: The target audience includes anyone curious about science, particularly those interested in the philosophy of science and how research is conducted.
- Q: Does the book provide practical examples of how scientists deal with ignorance? A: Yes, the book includes a catalog of approaches that scientists use to navigate ignorance, such as revisiting settled questions and exploring connections with other research.
- Q: Is this book suitable for beginners in science? A: Yes, 'Ignorance: How It Drives Science' is accessible to beginners and provides insights that are valuable for readers at any level of scientific understanding.
- Q: What is the significance of the book's perspective on science? A: The book challenges the conventional view of science as a straightforward process, instead portraying it as a complex journey driven by curiosity and the unknown.