Examines the nature of scientific enquiry itself and the human context in which science operates. The book looks to the issues of meaning and value, such as scientific competition and subjectivity, as well as the more practical aspects of the discipline as the conference circuit and the nurturing of new research.
`Polkinhorne has written an interesting, thought-provoking book...a fascinating account.' The Times Higher Educational Supplement
Preface; 1. Is science enough?; 2. Understanding the physical world; 3. Working together; 4. Memoirs of the great; 5. What happened to the human mind?; 6. What does it mean?; 7. Ultimate questions; 8. Is, ought and wonder; 9. Responsible behaviour; Index.
'Polkinghorne has written an interesting, thought-provoking book ... a fascinating account.' The Times Higher Education Supplement 'Polkinghorne's literate sense of wonder at the magical richness of things shines out on almost every page, whether or not one agrees that it implies a creator.' David Mermin, Nature 'A thoughtful book for the mature upper sixth-former'. Andrew Lintern-Ball, School Science Review '... this is an admirable book'. Chris Clarke, Physics World