Why Trust Science?

Written by Naomi Oreskes, Stephen Macedo, Ottmar Edenhofer and 4 more

Narrated by John Chancer, Kelly Burke, Kerry Shale and 3 more

Why the social character of scientific knowledge makes it trustworthy

Do doctors really know what they are talking about when they tell us vaccines are safe? Should we take climate experts at their word when they warn us about the perils of global warming? Why should we trust science when our own politicians don't? In this landmark book, Naomi Oreskes offers a bold and compelling defense of science, revealing why the social character of scientific knowledge is its greatest strength—and the greatest reason we can trust it.

Tracing the history and philosophy of science from the late nineteenth century to today, Oreskes explains that, contrary to popular belief, there is no single scientific method. Rather, the trustworthiness of scientific claims derives from the social process by which they are rigorously vetted. This process is not perfect—nothing ever is when humans are involved—but she draws vital lessons from cases where scientists got it wrong. Oreskes shows how consensus is a crucial indicator of when a scientific matter has been settled, and when the knowledge produced is likely to be trustworthy.

Based on the Tanner Lectures on Human Values at Princeton University, this timely and provocative book features critical responses by climate experts Ottmar Edenhofer and Martin Kowarsch, political scientist Jon Krosnick, philosopher of science Marc Lange, and science historian Susan Lindee, as well as a foreword by political theorist Stephen Macedo.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Princeton University Press
• Release date: Oct 22, 2019
• ISBN: 9780691199139

Naomi Oreskes

Naomi Oreskes is Professor of the History of Science at Harvard University. Her opinion pieces have appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, and many other outlets. Her TED talk, “Why We Should Trust Scientists,” was viewed more than a million times.

Reviews for Why Trust Science?

[Walter McLeod · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Really liked the discussion on the differences between science and technology. Most people lump them together but they are distinctly different practices. Naomi has a very articulate voice on climate as well.

[Ryan Hellmann · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I applaud the author for the effort and agree with the premise and reasoning, but i have to ask: who the hell was this book written for? Philosophy students? Certainly not the common man, given the language and concepts involved. There are tons of ways to make this more accessible to the average reader, but just like most academics, the author is mostly just preaching to the choir on this one.

[Fuck Capitalism · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

This book is nothing but a misleading game of words trying to convince people that science is smart group of people and we need them so much...