The Force of Knowledge [Hardcover]

John M. Ziman (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521206499 | ISBN-13: 978-0521206495 | Publication Date: April 30, 1976 | Edition: 1

In this 1976 volume, Professor Ziman paints a broad picture of science, and of its relations to the world in general. He sets the scene by the historical development of scientific research as a profession, the growth of scientific technologies out of the useful arts, the sources of invention and technical innovation, and the advent of Big Science. He then discusses the economics of research and development, the connections between science and war, the nature of science policy and the moral dilemmas of social responsibility in science. Each topic is introduced by reference to easily understandable particular examples, with a large number of illustrations chosen to bring out the concreteness and reality of science as a human activity. Professor Ziman gives a chapter-by-chapter list of suggested topics for oral and written discussion, intended to provoke critical, sceptical attitudes to simplified solutions to real issues, and comments briefly on relevant books and other sources.

Editorial Reviews

Book Description

In this 1976 volume, Professor Ziman paints a broad picture of science, and of its relations to the world in general. Each topic is introduced by reference to easily understandable particular examples, with a large number of illustrations chosen to bring out the concreteness and reality of science as a human activity.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 383 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 1 edition (April 30, 1976)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521206499
• ISBN-13: 978-0521206495
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.7 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,731,284 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A THOROUGH ENCOUNTER WITH THE POWER OF HUMAN MIND, October 27, 2000

By 

CHANDRAMOULI (Coimbatore, TN,INDIA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Force of Knowledge (Paperback)

I could get to read this book more than 10 times about 20years ago while I was doing my Engineering Degree. It gave me a thorough insight about the acheivements by Human mind and the Power of it. The book gave me a new set eyes to look at the world and its' present condition with lots of depth. It would make anyone to grill his senses to understand the world with more responsibility and indebtness to those "Achievers" instead of simply negotiating it like one more animal. The Book gave me lots of experience and increased my abilities to present myself with a depth in the later part of my life in so may occasions. It made me successful in many of my endeavours.

I am trying to possess one print for myself for the past 20 years. I searched even at the Foyle's Book stores in London in the year 1988 but I could not.

I feel proud in suggesting this book to anyone.