Understanding Science: The Web of Trust [Paperback]

Explains how scientific practices are influenced by the philosophy of science, outlining what science is and why it is important.In a time when the role of science is under threat, this book provides a timely and accessible text that can be used to learn or teach both the theory and practices of science. It is ideal for intermediate-advanced students majoring in any science (or engineering) subject.In a time when the role of science is under threat, this book provides a timely and accessible text that can be used to learn or teach both the theory and practices of science. It is ideal for intermediate-advanced students majoring in any science (or engineering) subject.In a time when the role of science in society is under threat, this book provides a timely and accessible text that can be used to learn or teach both the theory and practices of science, and how they are interconnected. The first chapters introduce the major approaches to the philosophy of science using simple language and examples that are easy to understand. The chapters that follow build on philosophy of science to explain science practices such as publication, bibliometrics, experiments, the use of statistics, research ethics, and the academic career. The book emphasizes how and why science is the most reliable source of knowledge and how society is dependent on science to make informed decisions. It primarily targets science students but is also accessible to general readers interested in understanding how science works. It is ideal as a textbook for intermediate-advanced students majoring in any science (or engineering) subject.Preface; 1. What's so special about science?; 1.1 'I Could be wrong'; 1.2 Is there anything out there?; 1.3 Making the subjective objective; 1.4 Facts and theory; 1.5 'Follow the science'; 1.6 Understanding science; 2. Observation-driven science; 2.1 Mary's butterflies; 2.2 Early empiricism: Francis Bacon; 2.3 Later empiricism: the positivists; 2.4 The limitations of empirilƒ%