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It feels like we’re living in a world where the very idea of truth has become a battlefield. What’s real? What’s made up? And in this messy landscape, what does it truly mean for someone to sit down and publish a book that’s supposed to be based on facts, on things that are demonstrably true? It’s a question that weighs heavily on the minds of many, especially those who dedicate their lives to understanding the world around us. And it’s precisely this fundamental challenge that a brilliant new series from Columbia University Press, aptly titled “What Science Says,” is stepping up to address. This isn’t just another collection of science books; it’s a thoughtful, deliberate attempt to cut through the noise and offer a guiding hand in an era saturated with misinformation. The series, spearheaded by a team of genuinely passionate science communication experts, has a clear mission: to shed light on topics that have somehow become incredibly polarizing, from the life-saving marvels of vaccines to the enduring mystery of ghosts. It all kicked off with an insightful dive into the world of astrology, penned by the seasoned science journalist Carlos Orsi. But if you talk to Orsi, and the incredible minds co-editing the series – the accomplished Columbia professors Natalia Pasternak and Stuart Firestein – you quickly realize that “What Science Says” is doing something even deeper than just explaining complex topics. They’re not just telling you what science says; they’re showing you what science even is. They’re trying to re-establish a common understanding of what makes something legitimately scientific, and how to spot the fakes. It’s an ambitious undertaking, but one that feels more necessary now than ever before.
The core problem, as succinctly articulated by Pasternak and Firestein, isn’t that everyone suddenly despises science. Far from it. Most people, they argue, aren’t actively denying “science” as a whole system of inquiry. Instead, the real struggle lies in a widespread confusion about how to discern what’s genuinely scientifically sound from what’s, well, scientifically corrupt or misleading. Imagine a culinary enthusiast who loves food but struggles to differentiate a Michelin-starred dish from a poorly assembled imitation. They appreciate the idea of good food, but lack the critical tools to judge its quality. It’s a similar situation with science. People respect the advancements, the medical breakthroughs, the technological wonders that science brings, but when it comes to evaluating complex claims, especially those that touch on personal beliefs or societal anxieties, the lines become incredibly blurred. This is where “What Science Says” steps in, aiming to be a trusted guide. By courageously tackling these hot-button, often contentious topics, the series isn’t just imparting knowledge; it’s actively demonstrating the very essence of scientific thought – what they call the “scientific ethic of doubt.” It’s about showing, not just telling, how legitimate scientific inquiry operates. This ethical doubt isn’t about being cynical or disbelieving everything; it’s about a healthy skepticism, a rigorous process of questioning, testing, and being open to new evidence. It’s an invitation for readers to develop their own internal compass, helping them navigate the vast ocean of information and identify pseudoscience – those seductive, often simple, but ultimately unfounded claims – that permeates our daily lives. Pasternak and Firestein are uniquely qualified for this task. Both bring a wealth of experience in making science accessible to general audiences, combined with their formidable academic credentials – Pasternak with a doctorate in microbiology and Firestein in neurobiology. They understand the intricacies of scientific research and the art of communicating it effectively.
They continue to emphasize a crucial distinction: “One way to distinguish good science from pseudo-science is that pseudo-science always presents itself as a sure thing, free of doubt.” Think about it: how often do you see sensational headlines or social media posts declaring absolute, unwavering certainty about a complex issue? That’s often a red flag. True science, they explain, is a far more nuanced and humble endeavor. “Real science is always careful to state the level of certainty or uncertainty of its claims.” It acknowledges limitations, welcomes new data, and is constantly evolving. It operates with probabilities, not absolutes. It’s like a seasoned explorer who admits there are still undiscovered territories on the map, rather than a charlatan claiming to possess all the secrets of the universe. This commitment to intellectual honesty and transparency is the bedrock of legitimate scientific inquiry, and it’s a principle “What Science Says” hopes to instill in its readers. The series isn’t shying away from any challenge; it’s diving headfirst into a diverse array of topics, some with incredibly high stakes, others that are more about cultural fascination. While Carlos Orsi’s debut tackling astrology might seem lighter, future installments are poised to confront issues of immense societal importance. These include the deeply entrenched skepticism surrounding vaccines and the urgent realities of climate change – topics where public understanding can literally mean the difference between widespread health or illness, and the future habitability of our planet. But they’re also venturing into more intriguing, perhaps less politically charged, but equally fascinating areas like the human experience of ghosts and the perplexing phenomenon of false memories. The breadth of topics demonstrates their holistic approach to demystifying knowledge, showing that scientific inquiry can and should be applied to understanding the full spectrum of human experience and belief.
Miranda Martin, the senior editor for physical and life sciences at Columbia University Press, echoes this sentiment with a blend of honest realism and steadfast hope. She acknowledges the incredibly difficult landscape for publishing this kind of material right now. “It’s a tough time to be publishing this kind of book,” she admits, hinting at the pervasive polarization and the financial headwinds battering the publishing world. Recent months have seen the closure of publishing operations at Bucknell University and Trinity University, stark reminders of the material challenges facing academic presses. However, Martin quickly pivots, emphasizing the profound importance of their current endeavor: “but I also think it’s maybe the most important time, at least in my career, to be publishing accessible, general interest books about science.” This isn’t just a job for her; it’s a mission. She sees a vital need for well-researched, clearly articulated scientific information to reach a broader audience, beyond the academic ivory tower. Martin is also keen to highlight that Columbia University Press has, in fact, always maintained a robust and impressive catalog of general interest science books – a fact she feels many readers unfortunately don’t realize. There’s a perhaps outdated perception that university presses are solely for niche academic texts, but Columbia is actively pushing back against that stereotype, proving they can offer engaging and relevant content for everyone.
And here lies the heart of Martin’s hope, and indeed, the broader aspiration for university presses in general: that they can once again become beacons of trusted information. In a world awash with partisan news and biased sources, the integrity and academic rigor of a university press offer a unique and invaluable anchor. She envisions a future where these institutions can serve as impartial, reliable sources of scientific understanding for readers across the entire political spectrum, transcending the ideological divides that currently fracture society. Martin is pragmatic; she concedes that not every reader who encounters the “What Science Says” series will suddenly have an epiphany. “Some readers who encounter the series don’t want to be convinced,” she acknowledges, understanding that deeply held beliefs, especially those intertwined with personal identity or community, are incredibly resistant to change. You can’t force someone to abandon a belief, no matter how much evidence you present. But crucially, the series isn’t about coercion; it’s about invitation. “What Science Says” deliberately leaves the door open for those who are genuinely curious, for those open to engaging with evidence, for those who are willing to question and learn. It’s an outstretched hand to the intellectually honest, to anyone seeking a clearer, more evidence-based understanding of the world.
In their own powerful statement, Pasternak and Firestein articulate this philosophy beautifully. They’re not looking to bash people’s beliefs or shame them into agreement. Instead, their strategy is far more empathetic and insightful: “We feel that the best strategy is to help people examine the substance of their beliefs and the reasons and motivation behind them.” This isn’t about winning an argument; it’s about fostering critical thinking and self-reflection. It’s an invitation to a deeper introspection: Why do I believe this? What evidence supports it? What are the underlying reasons for my conviction? Is it personal experience, cultural influence, or verifiable data? By encouraging this kind of thoughtful self-inquiry, “What Science Says” aims to empower individuals not just to accept or reject scientific claims, but to understand them, to engage with them on a more profound, personal level. In essence, the series is not just publishing books; it’s cultivating a mindset – a scientific mindset that values curiosity, critical thinking, intellectual honesty, and the humble pursuit of truth, one carefully reasoned page at a time. It’s a quiet revolution, published by those who still hold unwavering faith in the power of knowledge, especially in times when truth itself feels like a precious and endangered commodity.