The Knowledge Machine - How an Unreasonable Idea Created Modern Science

Rich with tales of discovery from Galileo to general relativity, a stimulating and timely analysis of how science works and why we need it.br>br> ''The best introduction to the scientific enterprise that I know. A wonderful and important book'' David Wootton, author of The Invention of Sciencebr>br> It is only in the last three centuries that the formidable knowledge-making machine we call modern science has transformed our way of life and our vision of the universe - two thousand years after the invention of law, philosophy, drama and mathematics. Why did we take so long to invent science? And how has it proved to be so powerful?br>br> The Knowledge Machine gives a radical answer, exploring how science calls on its practitioners to do something apparently irrational: strip away all previous knowledge - such as theological, metaphysical or political beliefs - and channel unprecedented energy into observation and experiment. In times of climate extremes, novel diseases and rapidly advancing technology, Strevens contends that we need more than ever to grasp the inner workings of our knowledge machine.br>br> ''A stylish and accessible investigation into the nature of the scientific method'' Nigel Warburton, Philosophy Bitesbr>br>''This elegant book takes us to the heart of the scientific enterprise'' David Papineau, King''s College London, author of Knowing the Scorebr>br>''This book is a delight to read, richly illustrated with wonderfully told incidents from the history of natural science'' Nancy Cartwright, University of California San Diego>

Product details

• Authors: Michael Strevens, Strevens Michael
• Publisher: Penguin Books Uk
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback
• Released: 03.02.2022
• EAN: 9780141981260
• ISBN: 978-0-14-198126-0
• No. of pages: 368
• Dimensions: 129 mm x 198 mm x 15 mm
• Subjects: Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Natural sciences (general); Non-fiction book; Modern history to 20th century: c 1700 to c 1900, History: specific events & topics, History of Ideas, popular science, HISTORY / Civilization, HISTORY / Modern / General, TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING / Inventions, c 1500 onwards to present day, History: specific events and topics, Inventions & inventors, Inventions and inventors