A profound meditation on the role of science in modern civilization, Science and Human Values explores how scientific thought can elevate—not diminish—human ethics and dignity. Jacob Bronowski, known for his deep intellect and poetic insight, draws from his firsthand experience in postwar Nagasaki to reflect on the dual power of science: its capacity for immense destruction, and its potential to shape a more just, humane society.
Bronowski argues that science is not cold or separate from our values—it is a force that must be shaped by them. This short but essential work remains a compelling call for the ethical responsibility of knowledge, and for a renewed union between reason and the human spirit.
Ideal for readers of Carl Sagan, Bertrand Russell, and anyone exploring science, philosophy, or the moral challenges of modernity.
Editorial Reviews
"A profoundly moving, brilliantly perceptive essay by a truly civilized man." --Scientific American
"If I were trying to select six works, in order to explain to an intelligent non-scientists something of the deepest meaning of science, Bronowski's would be one of them." --C.P. Snow
"Dr. Bronowski has the rare distinction of being both a distinguished professional scientist and an inspiring humanist. Accordingly his Science and Human Values sheds valuable illumination on some of the confusions of contemporary thought." —Julian Huxley
"A great and courageous statement." —Norbert Wiener
About the Author
Jacob Bronowski was born in Poland in 1908. At the age of 12 he came to England, and within six years was a brilliant mathematics student at Cambridge. During the war he helped to forecast the economic effects of bombing Germany. After many years working for the National Coal Board, he moved to the Salk Institute in 1964 while developing his career as a broadcaster. In 1973, he presented for the BBC the ambitious 13-part series The Ascent of Man, which made him a household name. He died the following year.
