Shop top categories that ship internationally
$18.84 with 37 percent savings
List Price: $29.99
No Import Fees Deposit & $13.68 Shipping to Austria Details

Shipping & Fee Details

Price $18.84
AmazonGlobal Shipping $13.68
Estimated Import Fees Deposit $0.00
Total $32.52

Delivery Monday, November 3
Or fastest delivery Friday, October 24. Order within 23 hrs 14 mins
In Stock
$$18.84 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$18.84
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Ships from
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Returns
FREE 30-day refund/replacement
FREE 30-day refund/replacement
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Added to

Sorry, there was a problem.

There was an error retrieving your Wish Lists. Please try again.

Sorry, there was a problem.

List unavailable.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

The Impact of Science on Society (Routledge Classics) 1st Edition

4.4 out of 5 stars 96 ratings

{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$18.84","priceAmount":18.84,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"18","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"84","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"SFwiM7%2BpY%2B687gd9WNnmJJ%2BHU7sf7Iw%2Bp6%2B2f6LpCvZhnAwf7iDbnVv1vaBV%2BcmtGWHd57Kygoxf7%2FfWGQtb5fM4TL7vE%2FD1QJj6sgZkZOTh%2FfytE8tjNysfwBosbOl%2BmWl5Vh7PViDB0E0r2uAfKg%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

Many of the revolutionary effects of science and technology are obvious enough. Bertrand Russell saw in the 1950s that there are also many negative aspects of scientific innovation. Insightful and controversial in equal measure, Russell argues that science offers the world greater well-being than it has ever known, on the condition that prosperity is dispersed; power is diffused by means of a single, world government; birth rates do not become too high; and war is abolished. Russell acknowledges that is a tall order, but remains essentially optimistic. He imagines mankind in a 'race between human skill as to means and human folly as to ends', but believes human society will ultimately choose the path of reason.

This Routledge Classics edition includes a new Preface by Tim Sluckin.

Frequently bought together

This item: The Impact of Science on Society (Routledge Classics)
$18.84
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
$12.55
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
$17.99
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Total price: $00
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
Choose items to buy together.

Customers also bought or read

Loading...

Editorial Reviews

Review

‘A joy to read' – The Daily Telegraph

'A most beautifully written study which shows Russell at the height of his powers.' – Liverpool Daily Post

About the Author

Bertrand Russell (1872 - 1970) is regarded as one of the greatest philosophers of the twentieth century and a celebrated writer and commentator on social and political affairs.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Routledge
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 11, 2016
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 120 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1138641154
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1138641150
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 4.8 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.08 x 0.28 x 7.8 inches
  • Best Sellers Rank: #1,080,247 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 96 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Bertrand Russell
Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read book recommendations and more.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
96 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the book insightful, with one noting how it gives us power over nature. The readability receives mixed reactions from customers.

Select to learn more

4 customers mention "Power"3 positive1 negative

Customers appreciate the book's content, with one noting how it provides power over nature, while another describes it as a truly insightful work that aids in the centralization of power.

"...a truly insightful work...." Read more

"...I actually do agree with him on is that Technology aids in the centralization of power...." Read more

"Evil mastermind!!😕🙁..." Read more

"Science enables us to know things and to do things. It give us power over nature...." Read more

3 customers mention "Readability"2 positive1 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the book's readability.

"...the book was exactly as promised and Bertrand Russell has a way with words I cannot deny. a truly insightful work...." Read more

"Poor quality and no packaging other than flimsy thin plastic bag Water damage in the book" Read more

"Must read, but not the good kind...." Read more

Astonishingly ahead of its time, a Crystal Ball of the Future
5 out of 5 stars
Astonishingly ahead of its time, a Crystal Ball of the Future
The Impact of Science on Society, by Sir Bertrand Russell - a Nobel Prize in Literature, and son of Viscount Amberley, and grandson of the Duke of Bedford, who was Prime Minister for Queen Victoria - is a work astonishingly ahead of its time, for its 1952 publishing date. The most important is the so-called Lloyd Roberts Lecture, given at the Royal Society of Medicine, London, on Nov 29, 1949, included as the last chapter. overall book. This work should be required reading in education programs world-wide, as it crystalizes from a philosophical and rational point of view, world events from the past several hundred years, in view of better understanding today's world, and what is to follow suit next. Who better than Russell, demonstrating a very advanced ability in mental gymnastics, digesting entire libraries of literature in that process and laying out his analysis of the World, and Man's place in it, and the Future, in 140 pages? This is done entertainingly, fluidly for readers, with a personal touch. This work should be purchased and studied by all, because of the conclusions adopted by the elite of the world, of which the author and his audience were members. Everyone should understand that there is an urgency among the elite to create a One-World government, for various reasons. First, this is needed to contain nationalist and imperialist urges in various regions of the world by having a One-World Military. Secondly, the single government is required to curtail population growth, in face of limited agricultural production and resources. The author warns that if the West cannot achieve this in India, China, Russia, the free world will be overrun militarily, economically by those populations in the UK, USA and Europe from an over-populated Asia. I should note that Mao Tse Tung created a famine, in China, resulting in as many as 38 million (yes, 38!) casualties from starvation, in the 20 years following the publication of this book. Thirdly, raw materials (oil, copper, tin, uranium, etc.) will need to be rationed and controlled by a One-World government, as they are finite in quantity. In the past 5 years, oil has risen in multiples to over $100 per barrel, copper and resources have risen and mega-acquisitions from Asian and Russian government owned companies of Canadian and US producers, commonplace. Fourth, with Darwin on his side, and Malthus, Russell clarifies that the One World Government, will use scientific methods to cut down the population, to be carried out explicitly or behind the scenes, (if birth control is rejected for religious reasons), such as new twists on the Black Plague (Avian Flu, perhaps?), or contrived world conflicts r intentional waves of starvation on a global scale, (pp.129). Unchecked, population numbers destablize a science-based, prosperous and every-increasing good quality of life. Conversely, hungry citizens can cause recessions by only buying scarce and expensive food items, withholding consumption of other items from their discretionary income, pulling down the economy. Next, Russell warns against a USA that is export-only based, since it impoverishes the World. We've seen, accordingly, that the USA has shown astonishingly high import/export account deficits for the past 30 years, and the manufacturing sector is practically gone domestically, as the majority of products consumed in USA are now imported, distributing the wealth globally, as Russell recommends. As well, taming of natural urges and self-determination is necessary among school children on a massive scale (Ritalin ?), and violent nationalist propaganda banned in all schools. Russel also opposes fanatical creeds being shown to citizens (the Middle East ?) Russel underlines that either citizens submit to international authority (so-called Reason) or they will perish and die (pp.96.) As well, Russell believes that 95% of males and 70% of females are liekly to be sterilized, so that the elite can use "scientific breeding" (pp.66) mainly among the totalitarian governments who will misuse a science for their own purposes, mainly imperialistic. With non-elected governments, Russell suggests that scentific societies will impose a special diet and injections into the body of babies and children under 10 to shape their characters into the desired citizens that are needed. Through special preparing, rewarding, and manipulating psychological makeups of humans (through mental conditioning in schools) critiques of authority, or of those in power will be impossible, as will be non-desirable thoughts and behaviors. In sum, the author must be congratulated for holding back little if nothing at all to readers, and for giving them his sincere personal conclusions with a litany of explanations on how those were arrived at.
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on April 5, 2010
    I probably paid a little too much for a 114 page book, but It came quickly. the book was exactly as promised and Bertrand Russell has a way with words I cannot deny. a truly insightful work. although I cannot claim to be a convert of all of the man's logic, his arguments are well thought out and incredibly entertaining. I would recommend this book to anyone who has a passion for the study of philosophy or anyone who questions our technological oligarchy today.
    5 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 4, 2021
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Clearly not just science is co opted. He states why. Hidden govt runs planet. Uses so called science to convince low college grad learning types. Are there true liberals left alive? Idk
    9 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2016
    Science enables us to know things and to do things. It give us power over nature. Now we live in a sort of “scientific society”; still surrounded by a great deal of superstitions, though. Here, Russell is telling a history about how science supported profound changes in human society. The usual basis: statement of facts must be based on observation and not by unsupported authority. The fun here comes from his witty discussion even stating that the impact of science is making us behave like cogs. Some rebellion is healthy otherwise we cogs may kill ourselves in this planet. Given the atomic bomb, Russell wasn’t very optimistic about the future.
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2016
    Evil mastermind as he was writing this book he must have been laughing all the way muahaaaa!! Hahaha!! I mean is Bertrand Russell this guy was talking seriously in this book page 39-41 62-63 and 72.
    4 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2024
    Format: Paperback
    Seeing a whooole lot of reviews here by people who obviously have not read it, but have instead fed their brainworms on conspiracy slop misleadingly cherry picking quotes.
    Russell speculates about how a totalitarian state might abuse science for brainwashing and social control. He very explicitly calls those speculations “horrors” and talks at length about how it’s vital to safeguard democratic institutions and cultivate respect for individual rights and personal liberty to avoid such regimes from coming about. Russell is delivering a WARNING about a scenario he considers obviously horrifying, not (as many folks have apparently been duped into thinking) a blueprint. To get this wrong is like reading Nineteen Eighty-Four and imaging that Orwell is rooting for Big Brother.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 27, 2021
    The majority of people would love the neck out of this book. I find him stupid. I initially bought the kindle version but later got a paperback because I like to mark up my books and retention of information received from a kindle I don't find to be my forté. This [the book] will also probably be altered at some point if it has not already. It is a key piece in understanding where we are and are headed according to miles Copeland. I don't find it really all that groundbreaking as it is basically H.G. Wells' new world order but with a blue cover, however there are some key points that I found concerning. When reading this you will probably ask "what does science mean to him" because he will point to the transmutation of natural philosophy into science 350 years ago and act like people made no observations before then, but turn around and act as though Greek fire is an application of science to war but out of his own mouth a few chapters back Greeks didn't care to apply science just observe. There are some telling eugenics, propaganda, and politics quotes that arm you to know what is going on, but overall it is a foolish book made by a grandoliloquent aristocrat.

    Edit: As an aside, the introduction offers a claim that John Ruskin was an influence on him. This is the second time I have heard mention of John Ruskin in my reading. John Ruskin might be an interesting character to look into; as he seems to be the sort of spiritual father to a lot of the Fabian (I hope I am spelling that correctly) socialists.
    13 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2007
    The Impact of Science on Society, by Sir Bertrand Russell - a Nobel
    Prize in Literature, and son of Viscount Amberley, and grandson of
    the Duke of Bedford, who was Prime Minister for Queen Victoria - is
    a work astonishingly ahead of its time, for its 1952 publishing
    date. The most important is the so-called Lloyd Roberts Lecture,
    given at the Royal Society of Medicine, London, on Nov 29, 1949,
    included as the last chapter. overall book.

    This work should be required reading in education programs
    world-wide, as it crystalizes from a philosophical and rational
    point of view, world events from the past several hundred years, in
    view of better understanding today's world, and what is to follow
    suit next.

    Who better than Russell, demonstrating a very advanced ability in
    mental gymnastics, digesting entire libraries of literature in that
    process and laying out his analysis of the World, and Man's place in
    it, and the Future, in 140 pages? This is done entertainingly,
    fluidly for readers, with a personal touch.

    This work should be purchased and studied by all, because of the
    conclusions adopted by the elite of the world, of which the author
    and his audience were members.

    Everyone should understand that there is an urgency among the elite
    to create a One-World government, for various reasons. First, this
    is needed to contain nationalist and imperialist urges in various
    regions of the world by having a One-World Military.

    Secondly, the single government is required to curtail population
    growth, in face of limited agricultural production and resources.
    The author warns that if the West cannot achieve this in India,
    China, Russia, the free world will be overrun militarily,
    economically by those populations in the UK, USA and Europe from an
    over-populated Asia. I should note that Mao Tse Tung created a
    famine, in China, resulting in as many as 38 million (yes, 38!)
    casualties from starvation, in the 20 years following the
    publication of this book.

    Thirdly, raw materials (oil, copper, tin, uranium, etc.) will need
    to be rationed and controlled by a One-World government, as they are
    finite in quantity. In the past 5 years, oil has risen in multiples
    to over $100 per barrel, copper and resources have risen and
    mega-acquisitions from Asian and Russian government owned companies
    of Canadian and US producers, commonplace.

    Fourth, with Darwin on his side, and Malthus, Russell clarifies that
    the One World Government, will use scientific methods to cut down
    the population, to be carried out explicitly or behind the scenes,
    (if birth control is rejected for religious reasons), such as new
    twists on the Black Plague (Avian Flu, perhaps?), or contrived world
    conflicts r intentional waves of starvation on a global scale,
    (pp.129). Unchecked, population numbers destablize a science-based,
    prosperous and every-increasing good quality of life. Conversely,
    hungry citizens can cause recessions by only buying scarce and
    expensive food items, withholding consumption of other items from
    their discretionary income, pulling down the economy.

    Next, Russell warns against a USA that is export-only based, since
    it impoverishes the World. We've seen, accordingly, that the USA has
    shown astonishingly high import/export account deficits for the past
    30 years, and the manufacturing sector is practically gone
    domestically, as the majority of products consumed in USA are now
    imported, distributing the wealth globally, as Russell recommends.

    As well, taming of natural urges and self-determination is necessary
    among school children on a massive scale (Ritalin ?), and violent
    nationalist propaganda banned in all schools. Russel also opposes
    fanatical creeds being shown to citizens (the Middle East ?)

    Russel underlines that either citizens submit to international
    authority (so-called Reason) or they will perish and die (pp.96.)

    As well, Russell believes that 95% of males and 70% of females are
    liekly to be sterilized, so that the elite can use "scientific
    breeding" (pp.66) mainly among the totalitarian governments who will
    misuse a science for their own purposes, mainly imperialistic.

    With non-elected governments, Russell suggests that scentific
    societies will impose a special diet and injections into the body of
    babies and children under 10 to shape their characters into the
    desired citizens that are needed. Through special preparing,
    rewarding, and manipulating psychological makeups of humans (through
    mental conditioning in schools) critiques of authority, or of those
    in power will be impossible, as will be non-desirable thoughts and
    behaviors.

    In sum, the author must be congratulated for holding back little if
    nothing at all to readers, and for giving them his sincere personal
    conclusions with a litany of explanations on how those were arrived
    at.
    Customer image
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Astonishingly ahead of its time, a Crystal Ball of the Future

    Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2007
    The Impact of Science on Society, by Sir Bertrand Russell - a Nobel
    Prize in Literature, and son of Viscount Amberley, and grandson of
    the Duke of Bedford, who was Prime Minister for Queen Victoria - is
    a work astonishingly ahead of its time, for its 1952 publishing
    date. The most important is the so-called Lloyd Roberts Lecture,
    given at the Royal Society of Medicine, London, on Nov 29, 1949,
    included as the last chapter. overall book.

    This work should be required reading in education programs
    world-wide, as it crystalizes from a philosophical and rational
    point of view, world events from the past several hundred years, in
    view of better understanding today's world, and what is to follow
    suit next.

    Who better than Russell, demonstrating a very advanced ability in
    mental gymnastics, digesting entire libraries of literature in that
    process and laying out his analysis of the World, and Man's place in
    it, and the Future, in 140 pages? This is done entertainingly,
    fluidly for readers, with a personal touch.

    This work should be purchased and studied by all, because of the
    conclusions adopted by the elite of the world, of which the author
    and his audience were members.

    Everyone should understand that there is an urgency among the elite
    to create a One-World government, for various reasons. First, this
    is needed to contain nationalist and imperialist urges in various
    regions of the world by having a One-World Military.

    Secondly, the single government is required to curtail population
    growth, in face of limited agricultural production and resources.
    The author warns that if the West cannot achieve this in India,
    China, Russia, the free world will be overrun militarily,
    economically by those populations in the UK, USA and Europe from an
    over-populated Asia. I should note that Mao Tse Tung created a
    famine, in China, resulting in as many as 38 million (yes, 38!)
    casualties from starvation, in the 20 years following the
    publication of this book.

    Thirdly, raw materials (oil, copper, tin, uranium, etc.) will need
    to be rationed and controlled by a One-World government, as they are
    finite in quantity. In the past 5 years, oil has risen in multiples
    to over $100 per barrel, copper and resources have risen and
    mega-acquisitions from Asian and Russian government owned companies
    of Canadian and US producers, commonplace.

    Fourth, with Darwin on his side, and Malthus, Russell clarifies that
    the One World Government, will use scientific methods to cut down
    the population, to be carried out explicitly or behind the scenes,
    (if birth control is rejected for religious reasons), such as new
    twists on the Black Plague (Avian Flu, perhaps?), or contrived world
    conflicts r intentional waves of starvation on a global scale,
    (pp.129). Unchecked, population numbers destablize a science-based,
    prosperous and every-increasing good quality of life. Conversely,
    hungry citizens can cause recessions by only buying scarce and
    expensive food items, withholding consumption of other items from
    their discretionary income, pulling down the economy.

    Next, Russell warns against a USA that is export-only based, since
    it impoverishes the World. We've seen, accordingly, that the USA has
    shown astonishingly high import/export account deficits for the past
    30 years, and the manufacturing sector is practically gone
    domestically, as the majority of products consumed in USA are now
    imported, distributing the wealth globally, as Russell recommends.

    As well, taming of natural urges and self-determination is necessary
    among school children on a massive scale (Ritalin ?), and violent
    nationalist propaganda banned in all schools. Russel also opposes
    fanatical creeds being shown to citizens (the Middle East ?)

    Russel underlines that either citizens submit to international
    authority (so-called Reason) or they will perish and die (pp.96.)

    As well, Russell believes that 95% of males and 70% of females are
    liekly to be sterilized, so that the elite can use "scientific
    breeding" (pp.66) mainly among the totalitarian governments who will
    misuse a science for their own purposes, mainly imperialistic.

    With non-elected governments, Russell suggests that scentific
    societies will impose a special diet and injections into the body of
    babies and children under 10 to shape their characters into the
    desired citizens that are needed. Through special preparing,
    rewarding, and manipulating psychological makeups of humans (through
    mental conditioning in schools) critiques of authority, or of those
    in power will be impossible, as will be non-desirable thoughts and
    behaviors.

    In sum, the author must be congratulated for holding back little if
    nothing at all to readers, and for giving them his sincere personal
    conclusions with a litany of explanations on how those were arrived
    at.
    Images in this review
    Customer imageCustomer imageCustomer image
    49 people found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Chris Lewis
    5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended!
    Reviewed in Germany on March 19, 2023
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Nobel laureate and eugenicist Dr. Bertrand Russell made considerable contributions to mathematics, philosophy, and literature. His philosophical work remains highly relevant to understand the status quo. His 1952 book, The Impact of Science on Society, seems to have presented a blueprint for a global, scientific dictatorship. The book is more relevant today than when it was published - a timeless classic indeed.

    Here are some powerful quotes from the book:

    "Education should aim at destroying free will, so that, after pupils have left school, they shall be incapable, throughout the rest of their lives, of thinking or acting otherwise than as their schoolmasters would have wished."

    "Diet, injections, and injunctions will combine, from a very early age, to produce the sort of character and the sort of beliefs that the authorities consider desirable, and any serious criticism of the powers that be will become psychologically impossible."

    "The populace will not be allowed to know how its convictions were generated. When the technique has been perfected, every government that has been in charge of education for a generation will be able to control its subjects securely without the need of armies or policemen."

    "If a Black Death could spread throughout the world once in every generation, survivors could procreate freely without making the world too full.”

    "Really high-minded people are indifferent to happiness, especially other people’s.”

    Read it and discover its relevance.
  • JM
    4.0 out of 5 stars A good read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 13, 2018
    Its quite an easy read and flows well but his ideas are dreadful if you ask me!
  • Cristian A.
    1.0 out of 5 stars The item is not compatible with Kindle Scribe and Signature device's!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 15, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I bought the book in Kindle format to be able to read it on Kindle, but the surprise was big when both kindle products I own are not compatible with this book!
    Customer image
    Cristian A.
    1.0 out of 5 stars
    The item is not compatible with Kindle Scribe and Signature device's!

    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 15, 2024
    I bought the book in Kindle format to be able to read it on Kindle, but the surprise was big when both kindle products I own are not compatible with this book!
    Images in this review
    Customer image