ABSTRACT

Can science explain everything? Brian Ridley, a physicist himself, explores this question and more in this compelling exploration of both the scope and limits of science. Tracing back to the roots of scientific thinking in a world of 'magical ideas', he argues that science shares more with magic than we are often led to believe.
The book also explores the often overlooked relationship between science and mathematics and the uneasy relationship between the two. This is neatly linked to a fascinating discussion of relativity and quantum theory, reminding us of the many perspectives on offer within science. On Science is essential reading for all those interested in the way we think about and picture science, where it is now, and where it is going.

chapter |15 pages

Introduction

chapter |24 pages

The Limits of Science

chapter |25 pages

Metascience

chapter |16 pages

Science and Magic

chapter |15 pages

The Magical Theory of Everything

chapter |13 pages

The Music of the Spheres

chapter |21 pages

Science and Mathematics

chapter |11 pages

Numbers

chapter |23 pages

Quantum Magic

chapter |17 pages

Science and the Mind

chapter |15 pages

Science and Society

chapter |8 pages

Science and Art

chapter |13 pages

Science and Sensibility