Scan barcode
A review by arnizach
The Science Delusion: Freeing the Spirit of Enquiry by Rupert Sheldrake
5.0
Science is the unflinching interrogation of the universe. What sort of thing is this universe of ours? What lies inside of its boundaries and where are those boundaries in the first place? These are, first and foremost, practical questions, answered with the aid of microscopes, fMRI scanners, petri dishes, calculators and space probes. Dogma and orthodoxy and the unwillingness to question, above all else oneself, are the enemies of true science because they undermine the very task and act of doing science.
Dogma and orthodoxy of a materialist kind are rampant in modern science, according to Rupert Sheldrake, and they must be confronted. With this book, that confrontation ensues.
Taking up (or is it, shaking up?) everything from the supposed constancy of the cosmological constants, to the mind-brain problem, to the science of parapsychology of both humans and animals, "The Science Delusion" is nothing if not provocative. I was impressed by Sheldrake's wide knowledge and learning, not only in science, but in philosophy also. I learnt a lot from reading this book. I enjoyed being introduced to unfamiliar topics and re-introduced to familiar ones, often from an alternative angle. I found myself generally sympathetic toward the general gist of the book: Against reductionism, for wholism, against materialism, for vitalism. I don't quite know how I feel about morphic fields (more evidence required), but I must admit Sheldrake pretty much got on board with his acceptence in the parapsychological. The chapter I enjoyed most, I think, was the second to last one about the illusion of scientific objectivity.
I love how Sheldrake embraces his inner curmudgen through-out the book. He clearly relishes his role as iconoclastic outsider. Again, I can't say I was on board with all of his claims, but I cannot help admiring his conviction and courage in not apologising for who he is - or for simply making science more interesting. I was left with no doubt that this is a true scientist: He's not afraid to ask the questions he finds interesting and important and to do the research it takes to answer these questions, standing among his peers be damned!
"The Science Delusion" is a silly name though. "Science Set Free", the American title, is much better. It captures what the book tries to do (and, in my opinin, does): Expanding the accepted purview of the sciences. As such, it is a deep and profound affirmation of the principled integrity and reliability of science as a means of ascertaining truth about the universe. While I understand that the Dawkinsian ateists or, rather, the materialists are the "baddies" in this book, ruining science for everyone with their dogmatic delusion, the "God Delusion" wordplay can confuse some into thinking this is an anti-scientific book. That, it most certainly is not. Not everyone will agree with all Sheldake's conclusions nor find his proposals compelling - some will not agree with any, I suppose - but this is a man deeply dedicated to the scientific method. Of that there can be no doubt.
Dogma and orthodoxy of a materialist kind are rampant in modern science, according to Rupert Sheldrake, and they must be confronted. With this book, that confrontation ensues.
Taking up (or is it, shaking up?) everything from the supposed constancy of the cosmological constants, to the mind-brain problem, to the science of parapsychology of both humans and animals, "The Science Delusion" is nothing if not provocative. I was impressed by Sheldrake's wide knowledge and learning, not only in science, but in philosophy also. I learnt a lot from reading this book. I enjoyed being introduced to unfamiliar topics and re-introduced to familiar ones, often from an alternative angle. I found myself generally sympathetic toward the general gist of the book: Against reductionism, for wholism, against materialism, for vitalism. I don't quite know how I feel about morphic fields (more evidence required), but I must admit Sheldrake pretty much got on board with his acceptence in the parapsychological. The chapter I enjoyed most, I think, was the second to last one about the illusion of scientific objectivity.
I love how Sheldrake embraces his inner curmudgen through-out the book. He clearly relishes his role as iconoclastic outsider. Again, I can't say I was on board with all of his claims, but I cannot help admiring his conviction and courage in not apologising for who he is - or for simply making science more interesting. I was left with no doubt that this is a true scientist: He's not afraid to ask the questions he finds interesting and important and to do the research it takes to answer these questions, standing among his peers be damned!
"The Science Delusion" is a silly name though. "Science Set Free", the American title, is much better. It captures what the book tries to do (and, in my opinin, does): Expanding the accepted purview of the sciences. As such, it is a deep and profound affirmation of the principled integrity and reliability of science as a means of ascertaining truth about the universe. While I understand that the Dawkinsian ateists or, rather, the materialists are the "baddies" in this book, ruining science for everyone with their dogmatic delusion, the "God Delusion" wordplay can confuse some into thinking this is an anti-scientific book. That, it most certainly is not. Not everyone will agree with all Sheldake's conclusions nor find his proposals compelling - some will not agree with any, I suppose - but this is a man deeply dedicated to the scientific method. Of that there can be no doubt.