How does a scientist go about solving problems? How do scientific
discoveries happen? Why are cold fusion and parapsychology different
from mainstream science? What is a scientific worldview? In this lively
and wide-ranging book, Gregory Derry talks about these and other
questions as he introduces the reader to the process of scientific
thinking. From the discovery of X rays and semiconductors to the
argument for continental drift to the invention of the smallpox
vaccine, scientific work has proceeded through honest observation,
critical reasoning, and sometimes just plain luck. Derry starts out
with historical examples, leading readers through the events,
experiments, blind alleys, and thoughts of scientists in the midst of
discovery and invention. Readers at all levels will come away with an
enriched appreciation of how science operates and how it connects with
our daily lives.
The work is the presentation of a logical theory – Logic in Reality (LIR) - and of applications of that theory in natural science and philosophy, including cognitive science and the philosophy of mind. The thesis is that the fundamental physics of the world defines a non-classical logical structure for the interactive aspects of complex phenomena. LIR can thus be construed as a meta-theory that allows an alternative formal treatment of processes and systems.
The Semantics of Science proposes a radical new rethinking of science and scientific discourse. Roy Harris argues that supercategories such as science, art, religion and history are themselves verbal constructs, and thus language-dependent. Because each supercategory is constructed differently, it is necessary to pay attention to the linguistic process by which a discourse such as 'science' has developed. Through this view it is possible to observe that the function of the supercategory is to integrate what would otherwise be separate activities and enquiries, and the result of this integration is therefore a re-drawing of the intellectual world that society as a whole adopts.
A great guide to the practical aspect of teaching inquiry-based middle
school science. Also, this book is fun to read.
Highly recommended for any novice middle school science teacher
or any veteran who just wants some great advice!
