Discovering, Inventing and Solving Problems at the Frontiers of Scientific Knowledge

Examines the processes of scientific creativity and discovery, and proposes a model of scientific development. Root-Bernstein (natural science and physiology, Michigan State) attempts to understand how scientists invent through an imaginary reconstruction of the arguments, reflections, and games of six fictional characters in a 6-day colloquium. "Root-Bernstein has written an absorbing, stimulating, sometimes infuriating book, full of entertaining ideas, and everyone interested in science and its ways will benefit from reading it." (Walter Gratzer Nature) "Root-Bernstein marshals good arguments...The odds are astronomical against one book's sundering the entire bureaucratic structure of science. But Root-Bernstein has lifted his hammer high to try for a good slam." (Marcia Bartusiak New York Times Book Review) "[Root-Bernstein] has written extensively on the subject of creativity, and here he draws together his extensive thinking on the subject. The result is an intriguing and extraordinarily important book...It is a work of great insight and sweep, and it should be the manifesto of great changes in education and science." (Lee Dembart Los Angeles Times) "This highly original and imaginative book, in which the author masterfully marshals a dazzling array of evidence on behalf of his arguments, is by no means easy reading or suitable for browsing. However, anyone who is interested in discovering the roots of scientific creativity and in learning how this important but poorly understood phenomenon can be encouraged and fostered and who is willing to invest the time and effort to follow Root-Bernstein's exposition, will find this book most rewarding and thought-provoking." (George B. Kauffman Journal of Chemical Education)