Why Science?

With conviction and clarity, prize-winning scientist and bestselling author James Trefil explains why every U.S. citizen needs to be "scientifically literate." As Trefil sees it, citizens simply cannot participate fully in the democratic process if they don't understand fundamental scientific concepts. And he describes exactly what these principles are, from understanding natural selection to grasping Maxwell's Equations governing electricity and magnetism; from recognizing that the surface of the earth is constantly in flux to grasping the basic concepts of physics and chemistry. With an appreciation of our national state of ignorance on scientific matters, he not only explains these concepts but also shows why they are worth knowing.

James Trefil is the Clarence J. Robinson Professor of Physics at George Mason University.