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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Tram
Chelsea, US
★★★★★ 5
Excellent value for money!
Size: 934W-Z, Color: Black, Size: 934W-Z, Color: Black
I absolutely love this office chair! I needed a chair that could support my standing desk without sacrificing comfort, and this one completely exceeded my expectations. It's incredibly sturdy and durable, well-made, and the height adjustment is super convenient, making it easy to find the perfect fit. Even during long hours of work, the seat is comfortable, and the ergonomic design effectively reduces pressure on my back and legs. I love its clean, modern look—it fits my home office perfectly. Assembly was quick and easy, and for this price, the quality is absolutely fantastic!
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Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2026
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Lisa Bjornstad
Port Orchard, US
★★★★★ 5
Perfect chair!
Size: 934-Z, Color: Blue, Size: 934-Z, Color: Blue
I have an adjustable-height desk (also purchased from Amazon) and needed a drafting chair for those times when my body gets tired of standing. This chair fits the bill and then some! I put it together myself; it took me about an hour, but would take me about half that next time, since now I know what to do (and what NOT to do!). All the parts were there; there are even spare parts (see photo). All the holes were drilled in exactly the right places, too, which isn't always the case when I buy things from Amazon (my standing desk is a great example). The chair fits me; I'm short (5'3.5"), and often the seats of furniture are too deep for me to rest my feet flat on the floor. The depth of the seat on this chair is just a little over 18 inches, and with the adjustable footrest ring, it's perfect. I don't think a tall or heavy person would fit in it, to be honest. But it's perfect for those of us who are vertically challenged. I love that it glides easily on my hardwood floors and that it turns 360 degrees. The chair comes in numerous luscious colors, so take your pick! It is very sturdy, has good lumbar support, and the seat and seat back are very comfortable. And the arms flip up, which was an absolute must when I was shopping for this chair. I got it on sale, too -- $109.00 -- and I'm delighted with this purchase.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2026
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PenLady
Lexington, US
★★★★★ 5
Excellent adjustable drafting chair
Size: 934-Z, Color: Blue
Excellent chair design, extremely comfortable and exceptionally easy instructions to follow making for simple assembly. Love the amply wide cushioned seat and ergonomic backrest. The height adjustment feature works perfectly as well as positioning of the foot ring . Having the ability to raise the arms is also a big plus! I highly recommend this product for attractive appearance, comfort features, functionality and operation. Really nice chair!
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Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2026
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Sandra
Whiting, US
★★★★★ 4
Comfortable, stylish, and perfect for long work hours 💗✨
Size: 934-Z, Color: Pink
I bought this chair because I spend a lot of time working and needed something comfortable but also stylish, and I absolutely love it. Since I started using it, I feel much better support in my back thanks to the lumbar support. It makes a big difference, especially during long work hours. The adjustable footrest is also a feature I didn’t know I needed, but now I use it all the time. The flip-up armrests are very convenient because I can adjust them depending on what I’m doing or move them out of the way when needed. The pink color is beautiful and adds a soft, elegant touch to my workspace. It looks great in a modern home office. It feels sturdy, well-made, and very stable. Overall, it’s a great purchase that improved both my comfort and the look of my workspace.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 29, 2026
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Fort Morgan, US
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Size: 934W-Z, Color: Black
So far, so awesome. Easy to assemble, comfortable, arrived quickly and is exactly what I was looking for. I have a tall work bench in my new studio so I needed a chair that we could allow me to sit higher than a regular office chair and allow me to get off my feet after standing on the concrete floor. Plus its a nice looking chair that I am sure will last a long time. I love the flip-up arms and the lumbar support. This is just right!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2026

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