Science and Sensibility: The Elegant Logic of the Universe

Although expressing a respect for spirituality, the author is using his explanations of the main discoveries of science as a springboard to contrast the value of an empirical, rational mode of knowing things in opposition to reliance on true belief. Sagan has warned that we do not live in a scientific age as evidenced by so many persons expressing belief in supernatural beings or unsubstantiated claims. This book continues in that vein with some clear thinking about the differences between ways of knowing. There is not much here to attract fundamentalist believers in "the word of God" or other such authoritarian sources. Laidler has no time for careless thinking and offers example after example of the value and need for an empirical approach to knowledge generation. The opinions of postmodern deconstructionists are severely dismissed as are also the irrationalities offered in the world of politics. His comparison between adversarial vs judicial knowledge seeking is particularly apt and especially interesting as he lumps the scientific in with the judicial. There are more complete discussions about science for the non-scientist than within this slender volume but the focus on how we know things is of special value. He is probably lecturing to the choir and those who need to read the book are not likely to stay with it!