Wondrous Truths

The Improbable Triumph of Modern Science

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Other Sciences, Philosophy & Social Aspects, History, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy
Cover of the book Wondrous Truths by J.D. Trout, Oxford University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: J.D. Trout ISBN: 9780199385096
Publisher: Oxford University Press Publication: April 1, 2016
Imprint: Oxford University Press Language: English
Author: J.D. Trout
ISBN: 9780199385096
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publication: April 1, 2016
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Language: English

A fresh, daring, and genuine alternative to the traditional story of scientific progress Explaining the world around us, and the life within it, is one of the most uniquely human drives, and the most celebrated activity of science. Good explanations are what provide accurate causal accounts of the things we wonder at, but explanation's earthly origins haven't grounded it: we have used it to account for the grandest and most wondrous mysteries in the natural world. Explanations give us a sense of understanding, but an explanation that feels right doesn't mean it is true. For every true explanation, there is a false one that feels just as good. A good theory's explanations, though, have a much easier path to truth. This push for good explanations elevated science from medieval alchemy to electro-chemistry, or a pre-inertial physics to the forces underlying nanoparticles. And though the attempt to explain has existed as long as we have been able to wonder, a science timeline from pre-history to the present will reveal a steep curve of theoretical discovery that explodes around 1600, primarily in the West. Ranging over neuroscience, psychology, history, and policy, Wondrous Truths answers two fundamental questions-Why did science progress in the West? And why so quickly? J.D. Trout's answers are surprising. His central idea is that Western science rose above all others because it hit upon successive theories that were approximately true through an awkward assortment of accident and luck, geography and personal idiosyncrasy. Of course, intellectual ingenuity partially accounts for this persistent drive forward. But so too does the persistence of the objects of wonder. Wondrous Truths recovers the majesty of science, and provides a startling new look at the grand sweep of its biggest ideas.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

A fresh, daring, and genuine alternative to the traditional story of scientific progress Explaining the world around us, and the life within it, is one of the most uniquely human drives, and the most celebrated activity of science. Good explanations are what provide accurate causal accounts of the things we wonder at, but explanation's earthly origins haven't grounded it: we have used it to account for the grandest and most wondrous mysteries in the natural world. Explanations give us a sense of understanding, but an explanation that feels right doesn't mean it is true. For every true explanation, there is a false one that feels just as good. A good theory's explanations, though, have a much easier path to truth. This push for good explanations elevated science from medieval alchemy to electro-chemistry, or a pre-inertial physics to the forces underlying nanoparticles. And though the attempt to explain has existed as long as we have been able to wonder, a science timeline from pre-history to the present will reveal a steep curve of theoretical discovery that explodes around 1600, primarily in the West. Ranging over neuroscience, psychology, history, and policy, Wondrous Truths answers two fundamental questions-Why did science progress in the West? And why so quickly? J.D. Trout's answers are surprising. His central idea is that Western science rose above all others because it hit upon successive theories that were approximately true through an awkward assortment of accident and luck, geography and personal idiosyncrasy. Of course, intellectual ingenuity partially accounts for this persistent drive forward. But so too does the persistence of the objects of wonder. Wondrous Truths recovers the majesty of science, and provides a startling new look at the grand sweep of its biggest ideas.

More books from Oxford University Press

Cover of the book Virgil Recomposed by J.D. Trout
Cover of the book Torture and Its Definition In International Law by J.D. Trout
Cover of the book The Reagan Revolution: A Very Short Introduction by J.D. Trout
Cover of the book Religion in America: A Very Short Introduction by J.D. Trout
Cover of the book The Savvy Music Teacher by J.D. Trout
Cover of the book The Oxford Handbook of Sound and Image in Western Art by J.D. Trout
Cover of the book Black Print Unbound by J.D. Trout
Cover of the book Epidemiology: An Introduction by J.D. Trout
Cover of the book Rediscovering Eve: Ancient Israelite Women in Context by J.D. Trout
Cover of the book Lawfare by J.D. Trout
Cover of the book Aquinas's Way to God by J.D. Trout
Cover of the book Groundbreakers by J.D. Trout
Cover of the book In the Shadow of the General by J.D. Trout
Cover of the book Lupus by J.D. Trout
Cover of the book Helping Parents with Challenging Children Positive Family Intervention Parent Workbook by J.D. Trout
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy