Failure

The general public has a glorified view of the pursuit of scientific research. However the idealized perception of science as a rule-based methodical system for accumulating facts could not be further from the truth. Modern science involves the idiosyncratic often bumbling search for<br>understanding in uncharted territories full of wrong turns false findings and the occasional remarkable success. <p/>In his sequel to <em>Ignorance</em> (Oxford University Press 2012) Stuart Firestein shows us that the scientific enterprise is riddled with mistakes and errors - and that this is a good thing!<em> Failure: Why Science Is So Successful </em>delves into the origins of scientific research as a process that relies upon<br>trial and error one which inevitably results in a hefty dose of failure. In fact scientists throughout history have relied on failure to guide their research viewing mistakes as a necessary part of the process. Citing both historical and contemporary examples Firestein strips away the distorted<br>view of science as infallible to provide the public with a rare inside glimpse of the messy realities of the scientific process. <p/>An insider's view of how science is actually carried out this book will delight anyone with an interest in science from aspiring scientists to curious general readers. Accessible and entertaining <em>Failure</em> illuminates the greatest and most productive adventure of human history with all the<br>missteps along the way.<br>