by Stuart Firestein (Get the Book)This profound book, a quick read, reverses the perception of science. It is based on a course that neuroscientist Firestein gives at Columbia University, where he makes an excellent case for the following proposition. The driving force behind how scientific research is conducted and how the results are perceived is based more on ignorance than knowledge of what is factual. Science is more than a collection of facts--what is known--but more about what is unknown--ignorance--and what needs to be done. Showing the possibility of an achievement can motivate accomplishment. However, ignorance is not an excuse for poor planning. The eight-chapter book begins with a brief introduction to ignorance. Other chapters include "Limits, Uncertainty, Impossibility, and Other Minor Problems," "Unpredicting" (perils of predictions in science), "The Quality of Ignorance," and "Coda" (applications to public discussions of science and education). The author also provides four case studies related to cognitive psychology, theoretical physics, astronomy, and neuroscience, the author's educational and career path. Brief notes, a reading list, and a bibliography support the text. A valuable acquisition for academic libraries, given the current emphasis on STEM education and undergraduate research. --Choice
