Title: The blind spot : science and the crisis of uncertainty /
Authors: Byers, William, 1943-
Publisher: Princeton University Press,
Year: 2011
Subjects: Science Social aspects; Uncertainty (Information theory)
Abstract: Drawing on an array of examples--from Wall Street's overreliance on algorithms to provide certainty in uncertain markets, to undecidable problems in mathematics and computer science, to Georg Cantor's paradoxical but true assertions about infinity--mathematician William Byers explains why the subjective element of scientific inquiry is in fact what makes it so dynamic, why the need for certainty and rigor in science should be balanced with the equally important need for creativity, and how we can and must learn from the existence of blind spots in our scientific and mathematical understanding.--Adapted from publisher description.
Contents: The revelation of uncertainty -- The blind spot -- The blind spot revealed -- Certainty or wonder? -- A world in crisis! -- Ambiguity -- Self-reference : the human element in science -- The mystery of number -- Science as the ambiguous search for unity -- The still point -- Living in a world of uncertainty.