Failure: Why Science Is So Successful (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780199390106)

The general public has a glorified view of the pursuit of scientific research. However, the idealized perception of science as a rule-based, methodical system for accumulating facts could not be further from the truth. Modern science involves the idiosyncratic, often bumbling search for understanding in uncharted territories, full of wrong turns, false findings, and the occasional remarkable success.

In his sequel to Ignorance (Oxford University Press, 2012), Stuart Firestein shows us that the scientific enterprise is riddled with mistakes and errors - and that this is a good thing! Failure: Why Science Is So Successful delves into the origins of scientific research as a process that relies upon trial and error, one which inevitably results in a hefty dose of failure. In fact, scientists throughout history have relied on failure to guide their research, viewing mistakes as a necessary part of the process. Citing both historical and contemporary examples, Firestein strips away the distorted view of science as infallible to provide the public with a rare, inside glimpse of the messy realities of the scientific process.

An insider's view of how science is actually carried out, this book will delight anyone with an interest in science, from aspiring scientists to curious general readers. Accessible and entertaining, Failure illuminates the greatest and most productive adventure of human history, with all the missteps along the way.

Author: Stuart Firestein
ISBN-10: 019939010X
ISBN-13: 9780199390106
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Language: English
Published: 10/01/2015
Pages: 304
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 0.75lbs
Size: 7.10h x 5.10w x 1.10d

Review Citation(s):
Library Journal 10/15/2015 pg. 110
Discover 11/01/2015 pg. 18
New York Times Book Review 01/03/2016 pg. 8
New York Times Book Review 01/10/2016 pg. 22
Choice 02/01/2016