The Unnatural Nature of Science

“The unnaturalness of science is held to lie both in the superior clarity of its thought over everyday notions...and in the counterintuitive character of regimes far from common experience. The unnaturalness is to be commended, and Lewis Wolpert’s book is a kind of hymn of praise from one of science’s practitioners...[An] entertaining book.”—John Polkinghorne, Nature

“The implications of Wolpert’s thesis are important and widespread, especially to anyone concerned with education and the public understanding of science...Wolpert is a passionate defender of science. All he asks is that we understand what we are defending.”—Tony Jones, New Scientist

“Wolpert’s book is...a lively presentation of points we need constantly remember as we reflect on the role of science in our world.”—Philip Kitcher, New York Times Book Review

“[A] wonderful book...Wolpert’s prose is measured and thoughtful...In an age when fundamental ideas about the nature of truth are assailed, when scientists are derided as madmen who threatened the world with nuclear weapons and genetic engineering, it is a pleasure to read a clear, level-headed and persuasive defense of the scientific enterprise.”—Lee Dembart, Los Angeles Times