What Goes Up... Gravity and Scientific Method

By Peter Kosso | Publisher: Cambridge University Press

About the book

The concept of gravity provides a natural phenomenon that is simultaneously obvious and obscure; we all know what it is, but rarely question why it is. The simple observation that 'what goes up must come down' contrasts starkly with our current scientific explanation of gravity, which involves challenging and sometimes counterintuitive concepts. With such extremes between the plain and the perplexing, gravity forces a sharp focus on scientific method. Following the history of gravity from Aristotle to Einstein, this clear account highlights the logic of scientific method for non-specialists. Successive theories of gravity and the evidence for each are presented clearly and rationally, focusing on the fundamental ideas behind them. Using only high-school level algebra and geometry, the author emphasizes what the equations mean rather than how they are derived, making this accessible for all those curious about gravity and how science really works.

Editions of What Goes Up... Gravity and Scientific Method

Hardcover
ISBN 9781107129856

Read an Excerpt

The concept of gravity provides a natural phenomenon that is simultaneously obvious and obscure; we all know what it is, but rarely question why it is. The simple observation that 'what goes up must come down' contrasts starkly with our current scientific explanation of gravity, which involves challenging and sometimes counterintuitive concepts. With such extremes between the plain and the perplexing, gravity forces a sharp focus on scientific method. Following the history of gravity from Aristotle to Einstein, this clear account highlights the logic of scientific method for non-specialists. Successive theories of gravity and the evidence for each are presented clearly and rationally, focusing on the fundamental ideas behind them. Using only high-school level algebra and geometry, the author emphasizes what the equations mean rather than how they are derived, making this accessible for all those curious about gravity and how science really works.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is What Goes Up... Gravity and Scientific Method about?

The concept of gravity provides a natural phenomenon that is simultaneously obvious and obscure; we all know what it is, but rarely question why it is. The simple observation that 'what goes up must come down' contrasts starkly with our current scientific explanation of gravity, which involves challenging and sometimes counterintuitive concepts. With such extremes between the plain and the perplexing, gravity forces a sharp focus on scientific method. Following the history of gravity from Aristotle to Einstein, this clear account highlights the logic of scientific method for non-specialists. Successive theories of gravity and the evidence for each are presented clearly and rationally, focusing on the fundamental ideas behind them. Using only high-school level algebra and geometry, the author emphasizes what the equations mean rather than how they are derived, making this accessible for all those curious about gravity and how science really works.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in What Goes Up... Gravity and Scientific Method?

Mathematics and Science > Physics > Classical mechanics > Gravity

Where can I read a sample of What Goes Up... Gravity and Scientific Method?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781107129856

Who is/are the Author/s of the book What Goes Up... Gravity and Scientific Method?

Peter Kosso

Who is the Publisher of the book What Goes Up... Gravity and Scientific Method?

Cambridge University Press

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

What Goes Up... Gravity and Scientific Method is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781107129856)