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In Defense of Science and Rationality

Rodney Parker

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Published in The Myth Of The Framework: In Defence Of Science And Rationality

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A Call to Arms Against the Rising Tide of Irrationality

In an age of fake news, alternative facts, and the rise of anti-intellectualism, it is more important than ever to defend science and rationality. These two fundamental pillars of our understanding of the world are under attack from a variety of forces, including religious fundamentalism, political extremism, and the spread of misinformation online.

The Myth of the Framework: In Defence of Science and Rationality

by Mark Wilson

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	245 pages

In his timely and important book, In Defense of Science and Rationality, author and philosopher Massimo Pigliucci argues that science and rationality are essential to our understanding of the world and that we must defend them against those who would undermine them.

Pigliucci begins by defining science and rationality and explaining why they are so important. Science, he argues, is a method of inquiry that is based on observation, experimentation, and hypothesis testing. It is the only way we can learn about the natural world and understand how it works.

Rationality, on the other hand, is the ability to think clearly and logically. It is the ability to evaluate evidence and arguments and to make decisions based on reason rather than emotion.

Pigliucci argues that science and rationality are inseparable. They are two sides of the same coin. Science provides us with the knowledge we need to make informed decisions, and rationality provides us with the ability to evaluate that knowledge and make those decisions wisely.

Unfortunately, science and rationality are under attack from a variety of forces. Religious fundamentalism, for example, often rejects science that contradicts its beliefs. Political extremism, on the other hand, often uses irrational appeals to emotion to sway voters.

The spread of misinformation online is another major threat to science and rationality. Social media platforms make it easy for people to share false and misleading information, which can quickly spread to a wide audience.

Pigliucci argues that we must defend science and rationality against these threats. He provides a number of ways that we can do this, including:

Teaching science and critical thinking skills in schools
Promoting science and rational thinking in the media
Supporting scientists and researchers
Challenging pseudoscience and irrational beliefs

In Defense of Science and Rationality is a powerful and timely call to arms. It is a must-read for anyone who is concerned about the rising tide of irrationality and who wants to defend the values of science and reason.

In Defense Of Science And Rationality Book Cover The Myth Of The Framework: In Defence Of Science And Rationality