A Struggle For Existence
This book attempts to define what is "science", and more importantly, what is not science. Tony Barnett faces superstition, magic and charlatanry, political platforms masquerading as scientifically-based programs, and pseudobiology, and gives rational responses to them based on authentic science. He shows how scientific methods can be applied to specific everyday problems, and scientifically scrutinises a number of popular but erroneous beliefs, from the repellent to the absurd.
Barnett gives a down to earth but optimistic account of what scientists do: their struggles; the limitations of science; what makes science distinctive as a practice; the contrasting roles of logic and intuition; and the moral implications. Throughout, he avoids vague generalisation and emphasises practical implications, pointing to ways in which science can serve both truth and humanity.
