Ferric C. Fang (University of Washington), Arturo Casadevall (USA Albert Einstein College of Medicine)

Thinking about Science

Good Science, Bad Science, and How to Make It Better

• Broschiertes Buch

Produktbeschreibung

Thinking about Science: Good Science, Bad Science, and How to Make It Better

A riveting exploration of the world of science, diving headfirst into its triumphs and tribulations.

Penned by seasoned microbiologists Ferric C. Fang and Arturo Casadevall, this book offers a comprehensive analysis of the scientific enterprise through various lenses, including historical, philosophical, and personal.

From their unique vantage points as researchers, clinicians, and educators, Fang and Casadevall dissect the intricate mechanisms of science, shedding light on its strengths and weaknesses. Through engaging historical anecdotes, personal narratives, and insightful academic studies, they present a candid evaluation of science's performance, including a thought-provoking examination of its role during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A must-read for anyone curious about the present predicaments and future potential of science, Thinking about Science: Good Science, Bad Science, and How to Make It Better is more than just a book; it's a roadmap to understanding and improving the scientific endeavor for the benefit of society at large.

"The authors have given us a thoughtful description of science and the joy of discovery, an unflinching diagnosis of where improvements are needed, and recommendations for remedies well worth considering. Scientists, science and society would benefit if this book were read by both future and established scientists, as well as the administrators, policymakers, and regulators who are in a position to help us do better."
Michael Kalichman, UC San Diego

"With a deep understanding of the profound impact of science on society, the authors provide thought-provoking perspectives on changes in the scientific enterprise that will support sustainable, equitable practices, and engender public trust. An engaging read for everyone with an interest in science or science policy."
Stanley Maloy, San Diego State University

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Produktdetails

• ASM Books
• Verlag: ASM Press / Wiley & Sons
• Artikelnr. des Verlages: 1W683674340
• 1. Auflage
• Seitenzahl: 544
• Erscheinungstermin: 27. Dezember 2023
• Englisch
• Abmessung: 228mm x 152mm x 26mm
• Gewicht: 666g
• ISBN-13: 9781683674344
• ISBN-10: 1683674340
• Artikelnr.: 68461204

Autorenporträt

Ferric C. Fang, MD, is a Professor of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Microbiology, Medicine, and Global Health at the University of Washington School of Medicine, Director of the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory at Harborview Medical Center, and a former Editor-in-Chief of Infection and Immunity. Arturo Casadevall, MD, PhD, is a Bloomberg Distinguished Professor and Chair of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, a Professor of Medicine at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and the Editor-in-Chief of mBio.

Inhaltsangabe

List of Boxes, Figures, and Tables ix

Preface xiii

Acknowledgments xvii

About the Authors xix

Section I Definitions of Science 1

Chapter 1 What Is Science? 3

We discuss the epistemological origins of science; features of the scientific method; and characteristics to distinguish science from intuition, belief, or pseudoscience.

Chapter 2 Descriptive Science 15

We argue that although "descriptive" is an adjective often used pejoratively, description plays a vital role in science and is essential for the generation and testing of hypotheses.

Chapter 3 Mechanistic Science 23

We explain that the adjective "mechanistic" is often applied to explanatory science, but its meaning is relative.

Chapter 4 Reductionistic and Holistic Science 33

We show that reductionism and holism are two ends of a scientific spectrum that are often viewed in opposition but are actually complementary and essential.

Section II Good Science 41

Chapter 5 Elegant Science 43

We consider what scientists mean when they refer to an "elegant" idea or experiment and how the quest for elegance can mislead.

Chapter 6 Rigorous Science 51

We provide a how-to guide for performing rigorous research that produces reliable results.

Chapter 7 Reproducible Science 61

We explore why reproducibility is prized in science and why it is so elusive.

Chapter 8 Important Science 73

We propose criteria to assess whether a scientific finding or line of inquiry is important.

Chapter 9 Historical Science 85

We discuss why the history of a scientific discovery is important even though it may be neglected or distorted by scientists.

Chapter 10 Specialized Science 95

We examine the value and risk of specialization in science, reasons for the emergence of scientific fields, and the growing importance of interdisciplinary teams in contemporary research.

Chapter 11 Revolutionary Science 115

We ask what constitutes a revolution in science and consider whether revolutions truly replace older ideas or rather build upon them.

Chapter 12 Translational Science 131

We probe the interface between basic and applied research that translates into useful applications and question whether society can or should favor one type of science over the other.

Chapter 13 Moonshot Science 141

We review past and present major targeted investments in science akin to the moonshot program and the determinants of their success.

Chapter 14 Serendipitous Science 149

We consider the importance of undirected exploration and the many scientific discoveries that were wholly unanticipated.

Section III Bad Science 155

Chapter 15 Unequal Science 157

We reflect on how science is rife with inequality and inequity, but a diverse scientific workforce will be critically important for science's future.

Chapter 16 Pseudoscience 171

We explain that the power of science to persuade has led some to mimic scientific methods and language in the service of false or misguided beliefs.

Chapter 17 Duplicated Science 177

We demonstrate that inappropriate image duplication resulting from sloppiness or misconduct is surprisingly common in the scientific literature.

Chapter 18 Fraudulent Science 195

We show that in addition to fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism, a variety of poor research practices collectively undermine the reliability of the research enterprise and are symptomatic of a dysfunctional research culture in which incentives are misaligned with goals.

Chapter 19 Dismal Science 203<