Scientifically Thinking

October 29, 2018
With this literate, accessible book, biology professor Rice (Encyclopedia of Biodiversity) shows laypeople how to think critically and evaluate information like a scientist. Human brains are wired to seek patterns—not “to reason, but to rationalize”—warns Rice, and often carelessly discard what doesn’t fit expectations. Thus, humans are widely susceptible to illusion and unconscious bias. Science is a “process of elimination,” testing one idea after another until the testers discover the one that best explains what can be observed. After a description of the scientific method, Rice launches into a wide-ranging exploration of the problems that can be attacked and solved using it. Along the way, he shows how to watch out for bias and avoid the fallacy of seeing a single cause-and-effect when multiple causes are more likely. “Do It Yourself” challenges at the end of each chapter offer short exercises to clarify points. In championing the value of critical thought, Rice shows readers how to winnow truth from misinformation and avoid being swayed by inaccurate data or outright lies masquerading as truth. Rice’s arguments will interest any reader curious about viewing the world with rigor as well as creative insight. Agent: Rita Rosenkranz, Rita Rosenkranz Literary Agency.