Rich with tales of discovery from Galileo to general relativity a stimulating and timely
analysis of how science works and why we need it. 'The best introduction to the scientific
enterprise that I know. A wonderful and important book' David Wootton author of The Invention
of Science It is only in the last three centuries that the formidable knowledge-making
machine we call modern science has transformed our way of life and our vision of the universe -
two thousand years after the invention of law philosophy drama and mathematics. Why did we
take so long to invent science? And how has it proved to be so powerful? The Knowledge
Machine gives a radical answer exploring how science calls on its practitioners to do
something apparently irrational: strip away all previous knowledge - such as theological
metaphysical or political beliefs - and channel unprecedented energy into observation and
experiment. In times of climate extremes novel diseases and rapidly advancing technology
Strevens contends that we need more than ever to grasp the inner workings of our knowledge
machine. 'A stylish and accessible investigation into the nature of the scientific method'
Nigel Warburton Philosophy Bites 'This elegant book takes us to the heart of the scientific
enterprise' David Papineau King's College London author of Knowing the Score 'This book is
a delight to read richly illustrated with wonderfully told incidents from the history of
natural science' Nancy Cartwright University of California San Diego
