Understanding the Misconceptions of Science

By: Don Lincoln, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Don Lincoln

Consider these commonly held scientific beliefs: Planetary orbits are fixed ellipses; we only use 10 percent of our brains; nothing travels faster than light; a thrown object’s trajectory is a parabola. They seem correct, but they’re all misconceptions that aren’t entirely accurate. There’s much more to the story than you think.

These magnificent 24 lectures are devoted to busting myths, clearing up confusion, and giving you scientific epiphanies that could change how you think about your everyday world. You’ll explore shocking truths about some of science’s most well-known - and often controversial - concepts, including the physics of flight, black holes, quantum mechanics, and even the possibility of extraterrestrial life.

Delivered with insight, clarity, and a healthy dose of humor, Professor Lincoln’s scientific epiphanies will have you rethinking what you know - or thought you knew - about the world of science. Learn to see matter not as simple spheres but force fields. Discover why most human characteristics aren’t governed by a single gene. Examine why astronauts in the International Space Station aren’t in zero gravity but free fall. And those are just a few.

These lectures are, above all, about awareness and respect for what an immense undertaking scientific inquiry and experimentation is. Regardless of where you are in your own scientific adventures, they’ll empower you with not just good science, but better science.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2019 The Great Courses (P)2019 The Teaching Company, LLC

Above and Beyond

Lay science education is limited in the internet age by shortened articles and generalizations as a compromise to bring it to a wider audience. At times however it would be nice to go deeper, to move a step closer to understanding what scientists do—subtleties and finer details. This book does that brilliantly without requiring science degrees, though previous exposure to the subjects will make this a most-enjoyable experience.

For any science fan this is a must-watch, must-listen book.
And just in time Audible has upgraded their app, linking the pdf directly. (That still needs some improvement so one can view the pdf while playing/pausing the audio.)

Highly useful & informative

Bringing clarity to ‘accepted way things are’ … this was a great blend of massively complex theories discussed where lay people can gain a lot of insight as well. A great diverse group of topics to bright light to. Well done!

great story

alot of material glanced at. title is true to what it is. one thing is the repeating himself to make the book longer. ... also the audio quality when recording could have been better.

would recommend

Good listening

Dr Lincoln does a fantastic job of pointing out and explaining several of science’s most misunderstood concepts

Informative

I learned some new things and got more knowledge on others great course can't wait to do a second listening after I allow some time to pass.

Excellent but math heavy

Doctor Lincoln is always a great listen, but some may prefer the video version.

Amazing

Very informative to the point where it's cathartic I feel relaxed and energized at the same time I love the emotional compassion he has in his voice ❤️❤️.

Enjoyable all round

Sometimes it can be difficult to explain complex physics however, Don doesn’t excellent job if you don’t mind the odd dad joke here and there

loved the book and Don Lincoln

another great book by Mr. Lincoln. his presentation is flawless and the content is completely captivating. I totally recommend this book.

Professor Don Lincoln does not disappoint

Professor Lincoln makes good on the promise to correct many misconceptions. Even a very well-educated person with a scientific background will learn from the course. As usual, Professor Lincoln's lecture style will hold your interest and keep you listening.