SKU: 12668480379

The Matter of Facts: Skepticism, Persuasion, and Evidence in Science

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The Matter of Facts: Skepticism, Persuasion, and Evidence in ScienceHow biases, the desire for a good narrative, reliance on citation metrics, and other problems undermine confidence in modern science. Modern science is built on experimental evidence, yet scientists are often very selective in deciding what evidence to use and tend to disagree about how to interpret it. In The Matter of Facts, Gareth and Rhodri Leng explore how scientists produce and use evidence. They do so to contextualize an array of problems

How biases, the desire for a good narrative, reliance on citation metrics, and other problems undermine confidence in modern science.

Modern science is built on experimental evidence, yet scientists are often very selective in deciding what evidence to use and tend to disagree about how to interpret it. In The Matter of Facts, Gareth and Rhodri Leng explore how scientists produce and use evidence. They do so to contextualize an array of problems confronting modern science that have raised concerns about its reliability: the widespread use of inappropriate statistical tests, a shortage of replication studies, and a bias in both publishing and citing "positive" results. Before these problems can be addressed meaningfully, the authors argue, we must understand what makes science work and what leads it astray.

The myth of science is that scientists constantly challenge their own thinking. But in reality, all scientists are in the business of persuading other scientists of the importance of their own ideas, and they do so by combining reason with rhetoric. Often, they look for evidence that will support their ideas, not for evidence that might contradict them; often, they present evidence in a way that makes it appear to be supportive; and often, they ignore inconvenient evidence.

In a series of essays focusing on controversies, disputes, and discoveries, the authors vividly portray science as a human activity, driven by passion as well as by reason. By analyzing the fluidity of scientific concepts and the dynamic and unpredictable development of scientific fields, the authors paint a picture of modern science and the pressures it faces.



Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: MIT Press
Published: 04/14/2020
ISBN: 9780262043885
Pages: 376
Weight: 1.20lbs
Size: 8.10h x 5.70w x 1.30d
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SKU: 12668480379

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Destiney Robertson
Cuba, US
★★★★★ 5
Sturdy mount
Color: Black, Size: Fits Desk Leg: 80mm(D) x 50mm(W)
Great product, very sturdy. no doubt I trust this mount/adapter to hold my 50lb PC. Installation instructions were a little lacking in explaining what to do with the small black rubber pieces. Also, I feel it is very important to ensure the bracket is level before mounting the product - especially if you have a HDD inside your computer. Nothing to knock a star off for.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2026
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R. Doug
Los Angeles, US
★★★★★ 5
Fantastic when paired with FLEXISPOT desk!
Color: White, Size: Fits Desk Leg: 80mm(D) x 50mm(W), Color: White, Size: Fits Desk Leg: 80mm(D) x 50mm(W)
I've got this to get my gaming PC off the floor, but keep it off the desk. It delivers. It fit my FLEXISPOT EC1 Electric White Standing Desk perfectly. This PC is 39lbs and there's no sign of it slipping or sagging under the weight as the base is sturdy. The top bracket isn't perfect for this uniquely size case. It installed in <5 minutes start to finish. I used an electric hammer-drill and it cinched up the proviced T-25 screws with ease. For me there's very little that I would change except for the top support bracket arm being slightly different sized.
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Reviewed in the United States on December 21, 2025
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Kindle Customer
Massapequa, US
★★★★★ 5
It's good
Color: White, Size: Fits Desk Leg: 80mm(D) x 50mm(W)
Pretty good ngl, working well
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Reviewed in the United States on May 20, 2026
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Ray kivin
San Leandro, US
★★★★★ 4
Great Buy
Instal was easy and it seems good so far. I need to cable manage and everything but other than that it is great. Just wish they put Rubber on more of the metal parts so it doesn’t scratch the pc case.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2026
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Stephanie
Boise, US
★★★★★ 5
Great way to keep your desk organized, especially a standing desk on wheels.
Color: White, Size: Fits Desk Leg: 80mm(D) x 50mm(W)
The knob that should be able to tighten and clamp the upper part of the PC does not fit into the hole on the metal plate, so it won't hold the PC securely in place. It's useless. Updated 2/18/2026 I contacted the company about my issue and they sent me a replacement surprisingly fast. The knob on the replacement fits perfectly and my PC now sits securely on my desk leg.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2026

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