Science for Heretics

AMAZON REVIEWS: Very thought provoking Being an academic physicist (PhD, BSc) myself, actively involved in research, I probably should not like/recommend this book. But I have to say I found it very thought provoking and would certainly recommend it. It is important to note the author is not an anti-science raving loony. Indeed the author is a retired Professor of Physics!! Though, I do not agree with all of the book, it certainly does resonate. At the undergraduate stage, it can appear that physics has all the answers, and lots of young people adopt physics as almost a religion . To me the book describes the author's questioning and losing this faith over his academic career. Finally settling on a very pragmatic view of physics, and the importance of experimental over theoretical physics. Sometimes scientists know and sometimes they just think they know. In one of the most intriguing books I have read, Barrie Condon takes a critical look at the theories that provide understanding and direction to the sciences that impact on all our lives. Written for the layman, it is wide ranging, from atomic physics to medicine. Even scientists will find much that is interesting and thought provoking outside their specialisation and perhaps within it. I had not read such a well-written, lucid book on such a complex and impenetrable subject as modern scientific theory. The author has written an overview for the non-scientist and has conveyed an appreciation of the anomalies and omissions within the theories. A great antidote to conventional wisdom... A fascinating read!! This book will appeal to readers outside of the scientific community, so don't be put off if you aren't a 'science' junkie. It covers subjects which are diverse and thought-provoking, ranging from the side effects of prescription drugs (like most things there's a price to pay, but is it worth it?) to our unquestioning faith in science (underestimating risk and over estimating man's ability to control it). The real value at the heart of this book lies in the questioning of received wisdom; something we should all do more often, regardless of the subject matter. ... Barrie Condon has the ability to convey a very advanced subject in a way that non-specialists can understand. His natural writing ability makes this book on a complex subject very readable, a feat in itself. Intriguing and Thought Provoking Intriguing stimulating and thought provoking . Guaranteed to get you thinking regardless of whether you agree with everything the author suggests . All delivered with a dash of humour from a well informed intelligent writer who knows his subject well . It should be required reading for everyone - encouraging people to open their minds to possibility and question many things we all tend to take for granted at face value . Highly recommended. Science, but not as we know it. Wow, mind-blowing stuff. Who knew how much we don't know? A thoroughly accessible read, that informs without patronizing. If science had been this interesting at school I might never have done an arts degree!