In Defense of Science: Why Scientific Literacy Matters
This book explains why ordinary citizens need to have an understanding of science, its methods, and its groundbreaking discoveries. The authors introduce the most basic scientific concepts in accessible and straightforward language. Along the way they debunk several misconceptions of science and scientists, and arrive at a view of science as an integral part of society, policy, and everyday life.
How the dome took shape, where it originated, and why it became the outstanding feature of Byzantine and Islamic architecture are questions which have not been satisfactorily answered either by the Orient or Rome controversy or by the misconceptions implicit in the prevailing theories regarding the origin and purpose of the domical shape.
The risk discipline is young and there are a number of ideas, perspectives and conceptions of risk out there. A number of such common conceptions of risk are examined in the book, related to the risk concept, risk assessments, uncertainty analyses, risk perception, the precautionary principle, risk management and decision making under uncertainty. The Author discusses these concepts, their strengths and weaknesses, and concludes that they are often better judged as misconceptions of risk than conceptions of risk.
By asking questions such as Is your orange juice pasteurized? or Did the lady who whipped up the icing on your cake wear false fingernails? this book sorts hokum from genuine science when it comes to food safety. Investigating everything from the health benefits of chocolate and oxygenated water to the causes of food poisoning and the healing power of prayer, short commentaries use wit and humor to debunk folklore and misconceptions. Indicating which food studies can be trusted, this guide provides the knowledge needed to buy, store, and cook food without risking life and limb.
