The shape of wonder How scientists think, work, and live

Physicist and novelist Lightman (The Transcendent Brain) and astrophysicist Rees (If Science Is to Save Us) aim in this trenchant if overly broad treatise to dispel a growing mistrust of scientists in American society. They frame the scientific process as an apolitical pursuit of truth via experiment and critical thinking, with inherent characteristics--like the fact that theories are subject to change as new information becomes available--that fuel unfair accusations that scientists are "wishy-washy." The authors call for scientists to take responsibility for their work, both by avoiding unethical experiments and using their knowledge to inform government "planning and policy" and raise concerns about social, technological, or environmental threats. Elsewhere, Lightman and Rees caution scientists, scientific review boards, and science journalists to ensure findings aren't sensationalized via "overly dramatic headlines" that increase public mistrust, though how exactly scientists themselves might do that is less clear. The authors make a valuable effort to dismantle stereotypes of scientists as mouthpieces of elite institutions, though they sometimes cover too much ground in their eagerness to do so, ranging from the limits of future biotechological innovations to the workings of scientific review boards. Still, this offers plenty for readers to chew on. (Sept.)

Standing up for science. Many people have lost trust in long-established institutions, and the lost trust in science is especially troubling, because science and technology play a key role in modern life. Lightman and Rees are well positioned to address the issue. Both are well-known scientists in their own right, as well as popular science communicators--Lightman is the author of 20 other books, Rees of 19. This is their first collaboration. The book centers on an urgent need for scientists to reach out to the public and to policymakers with clear, understandable explanations of their work and of the scientific process itself. The "scientific method" is not limited to scientists, the authors say, but is critical thinking "found in the work of attorneys, doctors, accountants, auto mechanics, and others." It's important that the public recognize that science is an evidence-based enterprise--new evidence leads to new knowledge and understanding. This may also lead to important technologies. "Many of the conveniences, pleasures, and necessities of modern life are the result of the marriage of pure and applied science: automobiles, computers, cell phones, radiation treatment for cancer, antibiotics, vacuum cleaners. Science and its applications are everywhere around us, so common as to be almost invisible." Current policy issues such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, advanced medical procedures, and climate change, all discussed in detail, require an appreciation of the science underpinning possible choices, even if the science itself is hard to understand. "To grasp their essence isn't so difficult," the authors write. "Most of us appreciate music even if we can't compose or perform it. Likewise, the key ideas of science can be accessed and enjoyed by almost everyone." Effective policy requires enough understanding of science, Lightman and Rees write, "to avoid becoming bamboozled by propaganda and bad statistics." This book is a good first step. A strong case for public involvement in science. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.