In Defense of Science

Why Scientific Literacy Matters, Second Edition

Frank R. Spellman and Joan Price-Bayer

In an era when many in the science community feel that science is under attack, In Defense of Science explains why ordinary citizens need to have an understanding of science, its methods, and its groundbreaking discoveries. The authors debunk several misconceptions of science and scientists, and advocate that science is an integral part of society and everyday life.

This 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.

Bernan Press

Pages: 232 • Trim: 6 x 9

978-1-64143-250-4 • Paperback • August 2018 • $60.00 • (£46.00)

978-1-64143-251-1 • eBook • August 2018 • $57.00 • (£44.00)

Subjects: Science / Study & Teaching, Science / General

In Defense of Science

Why Scientific Literacy Matters, Second Edition

Paperback

eBook

Summary

In an era when many in the science community feel that science is under attack, In Defense of Science explains why ordinary citizens need to have an understanding of science, its methods, and its groundbreaking discoveries. The authors debunk several misconceptions of science and scientists, and advocate that science is an integral part of society and everyday life.

This 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.

Details

Bernan Press

Pages: 232 • Trim: 6 x 9

978-1-64143-250-4 • Paperback • August 2018 • $60.00 • (£46.00)

978-1-64143-251-1 • eBook • August 2018 • $57.00 • (£44.00)

Subjects: Science / Study & Teaching, Science / General

Author

Frank R. Spellman, PhD, is the author or co-author of more than 110 books on safety, occupational health and the sciences. He was formerly an assistant professor of environmental health at Old Dominion University.

Joan Price-Bayer is co-author of the previous edition of this book and the first edition of The Handbook of Nature.

In Defense of Science

Why Scientific Literacy Matters, Second Edition

Frank R. Spellman and Joan Price-Bayer

In Defense of Science

Why Scientific Literacy Matters, Second Edition

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