Making Truth: Metaphor in Science

by Theodore L. Brown

How does science work? Making Metaphor in Science argues that most laypeople, and many scientists, do not have a clear understanding of how metaphor relates to scientific thinking. With stunning clarity, and bridging the worlds of scientists and nonscientists, Theodore L. Brown demonstrates the presence and the power of metaphorical thought. To illustrate the roles of metaphor in science, Brown presents a series of studies of scientific systems. These range from the atom, historically one of the most important ideas in science, through models in chemistry and biology, including current “hot” topics such as protein folding, chaperone proteins, and global warming. The case studies in Making Truth illustrate the deeply metaphorical nature of scientific reasoning and communication. They provide the basis for far-reaching conclusions about science as an intellectual and social practice and about the nature of scientific truth.

Genres: Science, Philosophy, Nonfiction

232 pages, Paperback

First published March 26, 2003

About the author

Brown, Theodore L. (Theodore Lawrence), 1928- (per Library of Congress)

Reviews

[Elizabeth]

As seen on Freakonomics.