Everyday practice of science : where intuition and passion meet objectivity and logic / Frederick Grinnell.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Grinnell, Frederick.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Science--Methodology.

Science.

Science--Social aspects.

Physical Description:

xii, 230 pages : illustrations ; 22 cm

Place of Publication:

Oxford ; New York : Oxford University Press, 2009.

Summary:

In Everyday Practice of Science, Frederick Grinnell offers an insider's view of real-life scientific practice. Although scientific facts are often so complicated that only experts can appreciate the details, the underlying practice that gives rise to such facts should be understandable to everyone interested in science. Grinnell demystifies the textbook model of a linear "scientific method," suggesting instead a contextual understanding of science. Scientists do not work in objective isolation, he argues, but are motivated by interests and passions.

The author shows that balancing scientific opportunities with societal needs depends on a clear understanding of both the promises and the ambiguities of science. Understanding practice informs policy. Society cannot have the benefits of research without the risks. In closing, Grinnell presents the practices of science and religion as reflective of different types of faith and describes a holistic framework within which they dynamically interact.

Contents:

I Science

1 Practicing Science: An Overview 3

2 Discovery: Learning New Things about the World 21

3 Credibility: Validating Discovery Claims 59

II Science and Society

4 Integrity: From Science Policy to Responsible Conduct of Research 91

5 Informed Consent and Risk: The Intersection of Human Research and Genetics 129

6 Faith: More Than One Way to Practice the World 159.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 191-211) and index.

ISBN:

9780195064575

0195064577

OCLC:

213407390