, to see if you have full access to this publication.
Monograph No access
In Defense of Science
Why Scientific Literacy Matters
Authors:
|
Publisher:
2010
Summary
Today, only a few people outside of the scientific community are conversant with the tradition of science and its many breakthroughs. The rest are scientifically illiterate. So say Frank R. Spellman and Joni Price-Bayer, authors of In Defense of Science: Why Scientific Literacy Matters. This book explains why ordinary citizens need to have an understanding of science, its methods, and its groundbreaking discoveries. The authors introduce the most basic scientific concepts in accessible and straightforward language. Along the way they debunk several misconceptions of science and scientists, and arrive at a view of science as an integral part of society, policy, and everyday life. The book begins with an introduction to science and its basic concepts, including a brief and entertaining history of science and scientific discoveries, before taking on current views of science in society. It surveys the many sources of our ideas of science, including pop culture, classics of literature, news media, and political discourse. Much of the information from these sources tends to mislead, and the only way to guard against such misinformation is to become scientifically literate, and promote scientific literacy in society. The book therefore delves into the reasons that so many people do not understand basic scientific principles and do not keep up with scientific breakthroughs, and finishes by examining the current state of science education. It includes many resources for further reading, and is presented in an engaging and entertaining way. It offers much food for thought for anyone concerned with science in today's world.
Search publication
Bibliographic data
Edition
1/2010
Copyright Year
2010
ISBN-Print
978-1-64143-251-1
ISBN-Online
978-1-60590-711-6
Publisher
Government Institutes, Lanham
Language
English
Pages
206
Product Type
Monograph
Table of contents
ChapterPages
Contents No access
Preface No access
PROLOGUE. Yurk and Smilodon No access
Chapter 01. What Is Science? No access Pages 1 - 14
Chapter 02. Why Science? No access Pages 15 - 56
Chapter 03. Science in Pop Culture No access Pages 57 - 70
Chapter 04. Alternative Sciences No access Pages 71 - 86
Chapter 05. Good Science vs. “Feel Good” Science No access Pages 87 - 112
Chapter 06. Science, Politics, and Religion No access Pages 113 - 130
Chapter 07. Please, No Science! I Hate Math! No access Pages 131 - 146
Chapter 08. Science Is Hard Work—Too Hard! No access Pages 147 - 154
Chapter 09. Science Is Only for Nerds, Geeks, and Weirdos No access Pages 155 - 162
Chapter 10. Science Education and Science Careers No access Pages 163 - 200
