Reading Popular Physics

Disciplinary Skirmishes and Textual Strategies

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Physics, General Physics, Fiction & Literature, Literary Theory & Criticism
Cover of the book Reading Popular Physics by Elizabeth Leane, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Elizabeth Leane ISBN: 9781351906524
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: March 2, 2017
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Elizabeth Leane
ISBN: 9781351906524
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: March 2, 2017
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

Reading Popular Physics is a valuable contribution to our understanding of the nature and implications of physics popularizations. A literary critic trained in science, Elizabeth Leane treats popular science writing as a distinct and significant genre, focusing particularly on five bestselling books: Stephen Hawking's A Brief History of Time, Steven Weinberg's The First Three Minutes, James Gleick's Chaos, M. Mitchell Waldrop's Complexity, and Gary Zukav's The Dancing Wu Li Masters. Leane situates her examination of the texts within the heated interdisciplinary exchanges known as the 'Science Wars', focusing specifically on the disputed issue of the role of language in science. Her use of literary analysis reveals how popular science books function as sites for 'disciplinary skirmishes' as she uncovers the ways in which popularizers of science influence the public. In addition to their explicit discussion of scientific concepts, Leane argues, these authors employ subtle textual strategies that encode claims about the nature and status of scientific knowledge - claims that are all the more powerful because they are unacknowledged. Her book will change the way these texts are read, offering readers a fresh perspective on this highly visible and influential genre.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Reading Popular Physics is a valuable contribution to our understanding of the nature and implications of physics popularizations. A literary critic trained in science, Elizabeth Leane treats popular science writing as a distinct and significant genre, focusing particularly on five bestselling books: Stephen Hawking's A Brief History of Time, Steven Weinberg's The First Three Minutes, James Gleick's Chaos, M. Mitchell Waldrop's Complexity, and Gary Zukav's The Dancing Wu Li Masters. Leane situates her examination of the texts within the heated interdisciplinary exchanges known as the 'Science Wars', focusing specifically on the disputed issue of the role of language in science. Her use of literary analysis reveals how popular science books function as sites for 'disciplinary skirmishes' as she uncovers the ways in which popularizers of science influence the public. In addition to their explicit discussion of scientific concepts, Leane argues, these authors employ subtle textual strategies that encode claims about the nature and status of scientific knowledge - claims that are all the more powerful because they are unacknowledged. Her book will change the way these texts are read, offering readers a fresh perspective on this highly visible and influential genre.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book The Heart of the Film by Elizabeth Leane
Cover of the book Using Social Marketing for Public Emergency Preparedness by Elizabeth Leane
Cover of the book Designing for the Theatre by Elizabeth Leane
Cover of the book Musical Imagery by Elizabeth Leane
Cover of the book Introducing Social Policy by Elizabeth Leane
Cover of the book Judgement and Reasoning in the Child by Elizabeth Leane
Cover of the book Overcoming Chronic Fatigue in Young People by Elizabeth Leane
Cover of the book Women, Diplomacy and International Politics since 1500 by Elizabeth Leane
Cover of the book The Hidden History of Early Childhood Education by Elizabeth Leane
Cover of the book Capturing the Complexity of Conflict by Elizabeth Leane
Cover of the book European Integration and the Communist Dilemma by Elizabeth Leane
Cover of the book The New Century of the Metropolis by Elizabeth Leane
Cover of the book Reclaiming Pluralism in Economics by Elizabeth Leane
Cover of the book Ethics and Christianity by Elizabeth Leane
Cover of the book Visible Learning Insights by Elizabeth Leane
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy