Why Trust Science?

The University Center for Human Values, Book 1

By: Naomi Oreskes

Narrated by: John Chancer, Kelly Burke, Kerry Shale, Nancy Crane, Richard Lyddon

Why the social character of scientific knowledge makes it trustworthy

Do doctors really know what they are talking about when they tell us vaccines are safe? Should we take climate experts at their word when they warn us about the perils of global warming? Why should we trust science when our own politicians don't? In this landmark book, Naomi Oreskes offers a bold and compelling defense of science, revealing why the social character of scientific knowledge is its greatest strength - and the greatest reason we can trust it.

Tracing the history and philosophy of science from the late 19th century to today, Oreskes explains that, contrary to popular belief, there is no single scientific method. Rather, the trustworthiness of scientific claims derives from the social process by which they are rigorously vetted. This process is not perfect - nothing ever is when humans are involved - but she draws vital lessons from cases where scientists got it wrong. Oreskes shows how consensus is a crucial indicator of when a scientific matter has been settled, and when the knowledge produced is likely to be trustworthy.

Based on the Tanner Lectures on Human Values at Princeton University, this timely and provocative book features critical responses by climate experts Ottmar Edenhofer and Martin Kowarsch, political scientist Jon Krosnick, philosopher of science Marc Lange, and science historian Susan Lindee, as well as a foreword by political theorist Stephen Macedo.

©2019 Naomi Oreskes (P)2019 Princeton University Press

Critic reviews

"Oreskes joins a distinguished line of thinkers who explain why we should trust the findings of the scientific community...[and] clearly reminds readers that science has consistently brought home the bacon." (Kirkus Reviews)

Thorough treatment of a tricky topic

As a non-scientist, I found this book answered most of my questions about how to think about the validity of scientific work. Some content was familiar from other books, but this book put everything together in a way that finally made sense. Her case was meticulously constructed. I might listen again to make sure that as much as possible sinks in.

Perfect Production of an Excellent Work

Naomi Oreskes has written two superb books in recent years, both of which have been produced as audiobooks: 'The Merchants of Doubt' and 'Why Trust Science?' Sheila Jasanoff, to whom Oreskes refers in the latter, has also written several excellent similar and complementary recent works, only one of which has been produced as an audiobook: 'The Ethics of Invention'. All are insightful, deeply scholarly works, compellingly argued and evidenced, and extremely relevant for our technologically advanced yet epistemologically uncertain age.

Yet this review focuses on something I hope producers will take note of when it comes to detailed academic texts: the narrator is absolutely key to allowing audiences to understand what may be heavily nuanced, complex arguments. Far more so than in fiction. As I found with Samuel Moyn's 'Not Enough', the narration in Jasanoff's 'The Ethics of Invention' was a hindrance to properly following the text. In 'Not Enough', incorrect inflection and emphasis often changed the meaning of sentences and paragraphs. In 'The Ethics of Invention', the robotic monotone of the narration made the text more challenging to follow than it needed to be, as Jasanoff herself is an excellent writer. Don't let this put you off the book - it is worth persevering with - it's just such a shame as it could have been so much better and is such an important work.

By contrast, this is the perfect example of a production. Female narration for female authors and vice versa (Oreskes presents her arguments then several academics respond). The narration places emphasis where it is needed, gives the topics life and power, and genuinely rewards the listener with a greater understanding of the material as a result.

Academic work needs narrators that truly understand what they are reading, where to place emphasis, how to pronounce technical terminology, and the ability to bring life to complex material. Too many audiobook producers seem not to understand this and I am sometimes left to wonder if they have actually auditioned the narrator at all. Not here - this is excellent.

Must read for today

In a time when anti-science rhetoric is being propagated at an insane level for financial and political gain, having real impacts on our society and world, this book makes a clear an compelling case for when and why science can and can not be trusted, and the limits of scientific knowledge.

A solid ok

Unfortunately the scientific method was tossed in the trash during covid lowering the credibility of scientist in totality as many where censored and politics took control

The Case Is Made For Science

In clear, clean language, Prof. Oreskes explains how the social nature of science at its best makes it the most reliable way yet discovered for improving our knowledge of the universe. Recommended.

Outstanding book

Interesting and relevant. Worthwhile read for those interested in how we come to accept a body of evidence as “fact.”

More than I expected

I was expecting a dry lecture-style speech. What I got was a nuanced, point-counterpoint exploration of the philosophy, culture, and history surrounding trust and science. Nicely delivered :)

Worth the read but…

Could have expressed the same message in 1/5 the length of the book, but good by message and worth the read.

Common knowledge, was expecting more.

The book was a collection of well known issues with how science is conducted. Entry level understanding at best.