discovering inventing and solving problems at the frontiers of science

by Robert Root-Bernstein

"Discovering" is an experimental work. It attempts not merely to look at what scientists do but to get inside their minds to find out how, to see science as the imaginative endeavour of the people who do it. Using a fictional format, the author unveils the discovery process in action through the discussions of six characters who attend a colloquium to debate the multifaceted issues that lie at the core of scientific creativity.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction

544 pages, Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

Robert Scott Root-Bernstein

Reviews

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Possibly the worst book that ever changed my life. I didn't like the writing style at all, but the insights into creativity were staggering.

[Öykü Okur · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is quite surprising that this book is very unpopular (12 checks on Goodreads?).

It guides you (especially the scientists) through how the good scientist is brought up and why we should change our way of teaching science. It has been more than 30 years since it was published and the academy/teaching is still not optimal at all.

In the book, there are many scientists that I haven't heard their names, and their stories are told in detail (this is a lot of effort for gathering information to support some ideas), not directly, but through some characters (scientists, historian, and an artist) discussing in some meetings.

In universities, we read through the big scientists' works, but even more important is to understand how they developed themselves and their ideas. Some coincidences/accidents may seem to cause a discovery but how to become that unique person who would find the answer in such a mess? This passes through having a playful nature, usually being involved in some arts/music/crafts, challenging nature (questioning dogmas rather than recognizing them), and many others, that are discussed in this book.

I consider this book a must for a scientist. I will put my time to write a longer review, as it deserves one.

[Christophe Van · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book presents insights on scientific discovery, especially the development of new insights, using materials from the history, philosophy, and sociology of science (in decreasing order). Several case studies from 19th century chemistry are presented. I appreciated the large and rich set of references.

But what sets this book apart from the very great majority of works on how science works and insights develop is the way the book is written: as a conversation among six or so people, each taking a specific perspective. That makes the argumentation more lively than usual, but also more difficult to follow. The format reminded me of "Proofs and Refutations" by Imre Lakatos.

Overall, the book is quite interesting because of both its topical insights AND the way it is written.

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is just what I needed. I feel inspired and emboldened. The science history in this was a pleasant surprise.