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Book Cover for: The Joy of Science, Jim Al-Khalili

The Joy of Science

Jim Al-Khalili

Quantum physicist, New York Times bestselling author, and BBC host Jim Al-Khalili reveals how 8 lessons from the heart of science can help you get the most out of life

Today's world is unpredictable and full of contradictions, and navigating its complexities while trying to make the best decisions is far from easy. The Joy of Science presents 8 short lessons on how to unlock the clarity, empowerment, and joy of thinking and living a little more scientifically.

In this brief guide to leading a more rational life, acclaimed physicist Jim Al-Khalili invites readers to engage with the world as scientists have been trained to do. The scientific method has served humankind well in its quest to see things as they really are, and underpinning the scientific method are core principles that can help us all navigate modern life more confidently. Discussing the nature of truth and uncertainty, the role of doubt, the pros and cons of simplification, the value of guarding against bias, the importance of evidence-based thinking, and more, Al-Khalili shows how the powerful ideas at the heart of the scientific method are deeply relevant to the complicated times we live in and the difficult choices we make.

Read this book and discover the joy of science. It will empower you to think more objectively, see through the fog of your own preexisting beliefs, and lead a more fulfilling life.

Book Details

  • Publisher: Princeton University Press
  • Publish Date: Apr 12nd, 2022
  • Pages: 224
  • Language: English
  • Edition: undefined - undefined
  • Dimensions: 7.10in - 4.60in - 0.80in - 0.60lb
  • EAN: 9780691211572
  • Categories: Philosophy & Social AspectsPersonal Growth - HappinessPhysics - General

About the Author

Jim Al-Khalili is Distinguished Professor of Theoretical Physics at the University of Surrey and one of Britain's best-known science communicators. He has written numerous books, including The World According to Physics (Princeton); Quantum: A Guide for the Perplexed; and Life on the Edge: The Coming of Age of Quantum Biology. He is a fellow of the Royal Society and lives in Southsea, England. Twitter @jimalkhalili

More books by Jim Al-Khalili

Book Cover for: The World According to Physics, Jim Al-Khalili
Book Cover for: The House of Wisdom: How Arabic Science Saved Ancient Knowledge and Gave Us the Renaissance, Jim Al-Khalili
Book Cover for: Paradox: The Nine Greatest Enigmas in Physics, Jim Al-Khalili
Book Cover for: Life on the Edge: The Coming of Age of Quantum Biology, Johnjoe McFadden
Book Cover for: Mae and Marco's Space Journey: Band 12/Copper, Jim Al-Khalili
Book Cover for: Nucleus: A Trip Into the Heart of Matter, Ray Mackintosh
Book Cover for: Black Holes, Wormholes and Time Machines, Jim Al-Khalili
Book Cover for: Halo Nuclei, Jim Al-Khalili

Praise for this book

"A little book of calm that is very welcome in these strange times."---Simon Ings, New Scientist
"Professor Jim Al-Khalili of Surrey University is a distinguished theoretical physicist who has also worked wonders in making science accessible and engaging. This short book encapsulates his achievement in its combination of concision (under 200 pages), lucidity and rigour. . . . In practice, this is not just a book about science but a short guide to how we live now."---Matthew D'Ancona, Tortoise Media
"Al-Khalili aims to empower readers to use critical thinking to evaluate the news, as well as their own knowledge and beliefs. He succeeds easily, with each chapter dedicated to a lesson readers can apply to their lives. . . . Readers overwhelmed by information overload will find this a balm."-- "Publishers Weekly"
"A Waterstones Best Science Book of the Year"
"Engaging and illuminating, al-Khalili argues that a scientific approach is 'one of humankind's great riches and the birthright of everyone.'"---Hannah Beckerman, The Observer
"An easily digestible, pocket-sized guide in how to think more scientifically, and how this can benefit us in everyday life."---Sara Rigby, BBC Science Focus
"A Choice Outstanding Academic Title of the Year"
"An extremely readable account. . . .a good basic primer to the scientific way of thinking."---Gautam Gangopadhyay, Contemporary Physics