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The End Of Science
368 pages, 2015
In his book The End of Science, John Horgan makes the case that the era of truly profound scientific revelations about the universe and our place in it is over. Interviewing scientific luminaries such as Stephen Hawking and Francis Crick, he demonstrates that all the big questions that can be answered have been answered. The world cannot give us a “theory of everything,” and modern endeavors such as string theory are “ironic" and "theological" in nature, not scientific because they are impossible to confirm. Horgan's argument was controversial in 1996 and remains so today, still firing up debates in labs and on the internet—not least because ironic science is more prevalent than ever.
In The End Of Science, John Horgan argues that the era of great scientific discoveries is over. He believes that we've already found the answers to the biggest questions in science, and future research will only refine what we already know. This is a bold claim that challenges the common belief that science is an endless frontier.
Horgan explores the idea that there are limits to what science can achieve. He suggests that there are some mysteries of the universe that might forever remain unsolved. This is a thought-provoking perspective that invites us to question our assumptions about the power of science.
The book also delves into the role of subjectivity in science. Horgan argues that our personal biases and beliefs can influence scientific research, which can limit our understanding of the universe. This is a fascinating insight that encourages us to look critically at the way science is conducted.
Despite his belief that the era of great scientific discoveries is over, Horgan is optimistic about the future of science. He sees potential in fields like neuroscience and genetics, where there's still much to explore. This takeaway can inspire us to stay curious and open-minded about the possibilities of scientific research.
One of the key messages in The End Of Science is the importance of skepticism. Horgan encourages us to question everything, including the claims made by scientists. This is a valuable lesson that can help us navigate the world of information and misinformation in our modern society.
