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jeff's review
5.0
I loved this exploration around the connections of science and society. Unlike so many other books that try to draw societal conclusions from science, I learned net new concepts about astrophysics and history from Dr. Prescod-Weinstein. Every introduction of people or place included context on their gender, race, or socioeconomics, and how that context affected/affects their scientific contribution.
In college, I took a "Philosophy of Science" course that concluded with the professor saying something along the lines of "studying science is like studying birds: even if you figure out how they fly, you can't affect where they're going." This book gave me new perspective that actual scientific outcomes and how they are utilized in our society is deeply, deeply affected by the players involved and the respect they command. A more equitable, diverse, and just scientific field is necessary for advancing knowledge AND for the fulfilment and safety of those individual researchers.
In college, I took a "Philosophy of Science" course that concluded with the professor saying something along the lines of "studying science is like studying birds: even if you figure out how they fly, you can't affect where they're going." This book gave me new perspective that actual scientific outcomes and how they are utilized in our society is deeply, deeply affected by the players involved and the respect they command. A more equitable, diverse, and just scientific field is necessary for advancing knowledge AND for the fulfilment and safety of those individual researchers.
salatbart's review
just not in the headspace for a physics book right now. Seems very good though
aehmyers's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
5.0
If this was the science I learned growing up, I would have been way more invested. This is an intersectional look at physics, detailing the dazzling wonder and the stifling social conditions of physics.