The Geek Manifesto: Why Science Matters
Mark Henderson
The Geek Manifesto: Why Science Matters
There has never been a better time to be a geek. What was once an insult used to marginalize the curious has become a badge of honour. People who care about science have stopped apologizing for their interests, and are gaining the political confidence to stand up for them instead. The geeks are coming. And our world needs us. Whether we want to improve education or cut crime, to enhance healthcare or generate clean energy, we need the experimental methods of science - the best tool humanity has yet developed for working out what works. Yet from the way we're governed to the news we're fed by the media, we're let down by a lack of understanding and respect for its insights and evidence. In The Geek Manifesto, Mark Henderson explains why and how we need to entrench scientific thinking more deeply into public life.
4.5 out of 5 based on 2 reviews
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Omniscore:
|
| Classification |
Non-fiction |
| Genre |
Science & Nature, Society, Politics & Philosophy, Technology |
| Format |
Hardback |
| Pages |
336 |
| RRP |
|
| Date of Publication |
May 2012 |
| ISBN |
978-0593068236 |
| Publisher |
Bantam Press |
| |
There has never been a better time to be a geek. What was once an insult used to marginalize the curious has become a badge of honour. People who care about science have stopped apologizing for their interests, and are gaining the political confidence to stand up for them instead. The geeks are coming. And our world needs us. Whether we want to improve education or cut crime, to enhance healthcare or generate clean energy, we need the experimental methods of science - the best tool humanity has yet developed for working out what works. Yet from the way we're governed to the news we're fed by the media, we're let down by a lack of understanding and respect for its insights and evidence. In The Geek Manifesto, Mark Henderson explains why and how we need to entrench scientific thinking more deeply into public life.
Listen to an interview with Mark Henderson | Guardian
Reviews
The Financial Times
James Wilsdon
“I enjoyed the book immensely but wished that Henderson had relied a little less on his Twitter feed and pile of recent media clippings, and drawn instead on the wealth of material from the history, philosophy and sociology of science that could have enriched and complicated his arguments, particularly in relation to controversial issues such as climate change, genetically modified crops and nuclear power. None of this should detract from Henderson’s achievements. The Geek Manifesto is the most compelling, engaging and entertaining account I’ve read of the relationship between science and politics.”
26/05/2012
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The Observer
Nick Cohen
“I do not mean to disparage him when I say that he has produced a pamphlet rather than a book that will last. His writing is urgent and for today … I would, if I could, force every politician in the land to read this book and act on Henderson's conclusion that we need to abolish A-levels and introduce a baccalaureate system that would compel sixth formers to take at least one science subject ... But he will not touch religion, the greatest source of evidence-denying quackery in the world.”
27/05/2012
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