On Science [Hardcover]

Can science explain everything? Brian Ridley, a physicist himself, explores this question and more in this compelling exploration of both the scope and limits of science. Tracing back to the roots of scientific thinking in a world of 'magical ideas', he argues that science shares more with magic than we are often led to believe.
The book also explores the often overlooked relationship between science and mathematics and the uneasy relationship between the two. This is neatly linked to a fascinating discussion of relativity and quantum theory, reminding us of the many perspectives on offer withinscience. On Scienceis essential reading for all those interested in the way we think about and picture science, where it is now, and where it is going.'Thought-provoking and well-written ... an excellent introduction to a number of important questions residing at that interface where philosophy borders on science, and science becomes philosophical.'- John Casti, Nature

'The great value of this book is that it goes much further and deeper than a mere statement of principle ...'- Jean-Marc Ley-Leblond, Physics World