The general public has a glorified view of the pursuit of scientific research. However, the idealized perception of science as a rule-based, methodical system for accumulating facts could not be further from the truth. Modern science involves the idiosyncratic, often bumbling search for understanding in uncharted territories, full of wrong turns, false findings, and the occasional remarkable success.

In his sequel to Ignorance (Oxford University Press, 2012), Stuart Firestein shows us that the scientific enterprise is riddled with mistakes and errors - and that this is a good thing! Failure: Why Science Is So Successful delves into the origins of scientific research as a process that relies upon trial and error, one which inevitably results in a hefty dose of failure. In fact, scientists throughout history have relied on failure to guide their research, viewing mistakes as a necessary part of the process. Citing both historical and contemporary examples, Firestein strips away the distorted view of science as infallible to provide the public with a rare, inside glimpse of the messy realities of the scientific process.

An insider's view of how science is actually carried out, this book will delight anyone with an interest in science, from aspiring scientists to curious general readers. Accessible and entertaining, Failure illuminates the greatest and most productive adventure of human history, with all the missteps along the way.

• We started tracking this book on January 26, 2020.
• This book was £10.72 when we started tracking it.
• The price of this book has changed 69 times in the past 2,020 days.
• The current price of this book is £9.09 last checked 4 hours ago.
• This lowest price this book has been offered at in the past year is £6.36.
• The lowest price to date was £6.36 last reached on March 19, 2025.
• This book has been £6.36 one time since we started tracking it.
• The highest price to date was £15.41 last reached on May 1, 2024.
• This book has been £15.41 11 times since we started tracking it.

• Science & MathsBehavioural Sciences
• Science & MathsHistory & Philosophy

• Publication Date: September 1, 2015
• Text-to-Speech: Disabled
• Lending: Disabled
• Print Length: 303 Pages
• File Size: 354 KB