Ignorance

Ignorance PDF Author: Stuart Firestein
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0199939330
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 208

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Book Description
Knowledge is a big subject, says Stuart Firestein, but ignorance is a bigger one. And it is ignorance--not knowledge--that is the true engine of science. Most of us have a false impression of science as a surefire, deliberate, step-by-step 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 hit-or-miss 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 unconsciously--a 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 histories--in cognitive psychology, theoretical physics, astronomy, and neuroscience--that provide a feel for the nuts and bolts of ignorance, the day-to-day 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 must-read for anyone curious about science.

Ignorance

Ignorance PDF Author: Stuart Firestein
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0199939330
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 208

Get Book Here

Book Description
Knowledge is a big subject, says Stuart Firestein, but ignorance is a bigger one. And it is ignorance--not knowledge--that is the true engine of science. Most of us have a false impression of science as a surefire, deliberate, step-by-step 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 hit-or-miss 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 unconsciously--a 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 histories--in cognitive psychology, theoretical physics, astronomy, and neuroscience--that provide a feel for the nuts and bolts of ignorance, the day-to-day 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 must-read for anyone curious about science.

Exploring the Unknown

Exploring the Unknown PDF Author: John M. Logsdon
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 720

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Book Description


Exploring the unknown

Exploring the unknown PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Astronautics
Languages : en
Pages : 724

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Book Description


Philosophical, Logical and Scientific Perspectives in Engineering

Philosophical, Logical and Scientific Perspectives in Engineering PDF Author: Zekâi Şen
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 331901742X
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 267

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Book Description
This book highlights and explains the significance of philosophical, logical, and scientific principles for engineering education/training and engineering works. In so doing, it aims to help to rectify the neglect of philosophy and logic in current education and training programs, which emphasize analytical and numerical methods at the expense of the innovative practical and creative abilities so important for engineering in the past. Individual chapters examine the relation of philosophy, logic, and science to engineering, drawing attention to, for example, the significance of ethics, the relevance of the philosophy of science, and the increasing importance of application of fuzzy logic to engineering. Modeling principles and philosophy in engineering are discussed, and the impact of different education systems, examined. Too often engineers have become reliant on readily available formulations and software; this book offers an antidote, promoting the recognition of artistic and humanitarian aspects and their integration in engineering works.

The Scientific Monthly

The Scientific Monthly PDF Author: James McKeen Cattell
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Electronic journals
Languages : en
Pages : 636

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Book Description


Popular Science

Popular Science PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 140

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Book Description
Popular Science gives our readers the information and tools to improve their technology and their world. The core belief that Popular Science and our readers share: The future is going to be better, and science and technology are the driving forces that will help make it better.

The Electrical Journal

The Electrical Journal PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Electric engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 1112

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The Pharmaceutical Journal and Transactions

The Pharmaceutical Journal and Transactions PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Pharmacy
Languages : en
Pages : 1096

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Pharmaceutical Journal

Pharmaceutical Journal PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Pharmacy
Languages : en
Pages : 1094

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English Mechanic and Mirror of Science

English Mechanic and Mirror of Science PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Technology
Languages : en
Pages : 872

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Book Description