Science After Babel

by David Berlinski

Polymath and raconteur David Berlinski is at it again, challenging the shibboleths of contemporary science with his inimitable blend of deep learning, close reasoning, and rapier wit. In Science After Babel he reflects on everything from Newton, Einstein, and Gödel to catastrophe theory, information theory, and the morass that is modern Darwinism. The scientific enterprise is unarguably impressive, but it shows no sign of reaching the empyrean heights it seemed to promise a century ago. “It resembles Bruegel’s Tower of Babel,” Berlinski says, “and if it suggests anything at all, it suggests that its original plans have somehow been lost.” Science endures. Scientism, it would seem, is guttering out.

Genres: Science, Philosophy, History

332 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 5, 2023

About the author

David Berlinski is a senior fellow in the Discovery Institute’s Center for Science and Culture.

Recent articles by Berlinski have been prominently featured in Commentary, Forbes ASAP, and the Boston Review. Two of his articles, “On the Origins of the Mind” (November 2004) and “What Brings a World into Being” (March 2001), have been anthologized in The Best American Science Writing 2005, edited by Alan Lightman (Harper Perennial), and The Best American Science Writing 2002, edited by Jesse Cohen, respectively.

Berlinski received his Ph.D. in philosophy from Princeton University and was later a postdoctoral fellow in mathematics and molecular biology at Columbia University. He has authored works on systems analysis, differential topology, theoretical biology, analytic philosophy, and the philosophy of mathematics, as well as three novels. He has also taught philosophy, mathematics and English at Stanford, Rutgers, the City University of New York and the Université de Paris. In addition, he has held research fellowships at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis in Austria and the Institut des Hautes Études Scientifiques. He lives in Paris.

Reviews

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love David Berlinski's wit and humor. And I enjoyed the topics he covers in this book, and he makes his points very well. Some of the chapters, however, got too technical, and I ended up skimming through some of those. But even there, I could follow (mostly) his arguments and capture the main point.

[Alex Whigham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great pose and interesting arguments. Sorta like his last book there were many chapters that went into very complex math that I had no idea what it meant and had to skip.

[Mark Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thomas Sowell David Berlinski & Malcolm Gladwell Favorite Authors

SAB likes: Intelligent coverage flowing comprehensive supported by living science explained edifying his readers and placing humor perfectly to make serious reading a joy!

David Berlinski may you continue to give us access to the world’s greatest minds and human beings and doings throughout mankind’s whimpering end!

This book is a pleasure to read. I hope my mind and heart continue to be able to comprehend David’s writing. I expect as long as there are still people around able to read they will continue to enjoy all his writing!

[Robert Stout · Rating 1 out of 5]

David Berlinski's Science After Babel was a book that I wanted to like. The book covers Einstein, Newton, Godel and catastrophic theory. Berlinski also examines the Darwinian evolution, and he examines the holes in the theory. Science promised that technology and evolution would tower to empyrean heights but never got there. I have two problems with the book: first it reads like a mathematics dissertation. I had calculus in college, but it was difficult to understand the mathematics that he writes about. The only equation that I recognized was the Drake equation which he draws no conclusion from. The mathematics is too technical, and it makes the book confusing and frustrating to read. Berlinski also has a bad habit of not defining the terms and ideas presented in the book - again, more confusion. A good writer would know how to take complex ideas and simplify them so the reader can understand them. Two writers that I like are Brian Greene and Micheo Kaku, they know how to present science so the layperson can understand. I got tired of reading Berlinski's book because he wants to sound smart by confusing the reader and presenting abstract math theories which he does not explain well. This book is a disaster, stay away from it.

[Larry White · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amusing, Often Insightful, Not for Everyone

Critics of “scientism” (a self-contradicting worldview that says only naturalistic, materialistic science and the scientific method can explain reality and reveal truth – ironically and critically, neither science nor the scientific method can prove the validity of scientism) will find much to relish in David Berlinski’s “Science After Babel.” As is his style, the author contests the viewpoints (particularly with respect to Darwinism and its variations) of the adherents of scientism with an effective combination of thorough logic and clever sarcasm. His droll expressiveness is priceless. However, “Science After Babel” often can be abstruse for the reader not seeking its level of detail. The five chapters in the “Deep Dive” section, for example, do not benefit from Berlinski’s adroit insights nearly as enjoyably as the earlier chapters. As such, this thought provoking book may not be for some readers.

[Alan Fuller · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Others may see things differently, but to my mind the various branches of physics, whether quantum mechanics or relativistic astrophysics, appear to be converging toward a babbling form of mysticism in comparison with which the theory of the orgone box is a very marvel of clarity and sound good sense.” p.287

The success of mathematical theories in physics is remarkable. Among all the sciences, they provide for an almost perfect epistemic synchronization of the past, present, and future. If the human mind is the source of all numbers, then numbers would not exist in the absence of human brains. It is impossible for an object outside of space and time to be causal.

[Bill White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this one! Berlinski's style is one to get used to. Many obscure (maybe just to me!) references, foreign language quotes-- generally very intellectual. I can appreciate the challenge. The idea within will be with me forever now. Many challenges to contemporary science I have witnessed myself.

[Thomas F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Berlinski at his best

Can never get enough of David Berlinski. Much of his thought is well over my head, but something about his style and wit make me feel that his arguments are correct.

[Paul Gosselin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review here.

[Shane Hill · Rating 3 out of 5]

You need a degree in Mathematics to understand this book....which I don't have.....very hard to follow.

[Joshua Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot of the mathematics were pretty far beyond me. But Berlinski's intellect is always a pleasure to see winking on the page. Would recommend, if for nothing else than the witty bon mots tossed aside every few pages.