Science Myth: God, Society, the Self and What We Will Never Know.

by Dominique Chu

Overview

We are in the midst of a culture war between science and religion. In this struggle science portrays itself as the white knight of enlightenment truth defending humanity against the dark forces of religious fundamentalism, ignorance and gullibility that threaten free thinking and progress. But is there really the fundamental difference between science and religion that the culture warriors like us to believe? This book takes the reader on an inside journey through science showing how scientific beliefs are made. It will show science as a human activity that is shaped by power struggles, personal interests, cultural prejudices, beliefs and values...and yes, experimental data as well.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781782790464
Publisher:	Iff Books
Publication date:	05/31/2013
Sold by:	SIMON & SCHUSTER
Format:	eBook
Pages:	437
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

Dr. Chu is lecturer in computer science at the University of Kent, UK. His research focuses on computational models of living systems and biocomplexity. He also regularly publishes on philosophy of science.

Table of Contents

Part I

Chapter 1 Introduction 2

Chapter 2 Ideal Worlds 15

Chapter 3 The science of life 79

Chapter 4 Complexity 152

Part II

Chapter 5 What is science? 226

Chapter 6 Scientific rationalism 310

Chapter 7 Je pense done je suis 350

Chapter 8 Epilogue 413

Editorial Reviews

A Guide to Science Studies that Even Richard Dawkins Can Understand. There is no scarcity of books that claim to reveal what science "really" is. Most of them have exactly one of two virtues: Either they are historically, philosophically or sociologically well-informed, or they show a profound knowledge of present-day cutting edge science from the scientific practitioners' view. In a remarkable accomplishment, scientist and philosopher Dominique Chu combines both: His book combines scholarly sophistication with up-to-date discussions about "hot topics" such as complex systems, systems biology, evidence-based health care, neuroscience and more. Written in a language that anybody above the age of 14 can understand, the book offers ample food for thought for everyone - for university students; science vs religion combatants; citizens thrilled or concerned by modern science and technology; and not the least scientists themselves. In particular, practising scientists will finally have a book that translates contemporary philosophical and sociological research on science, technology and society into messages that they can understand and relate to. I will not be surprised if "The Science Myth" finds its way into science curricula all the way from the high school level to the PhD.
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-Prof. Roger Strand, University of Bergen, Norway -

From the Publisher