A modern understanding of the world is unthinkable without science, but what exactly is it? What does it mean to say that something is scientific? How are its results justified? From the genetic basis of life, to the structures of the universe and the atom, Understand Philosophy of Science explores how the key ideas that shape our world have been developed. This book gives you a broad overview of the history of science in the West and the rise of modern science from the 17th century. It contains an in-depth exploration of the issues of science and authority and its social, political and economic contexts. This fully updated new edition covers recent developments including quantum theory and the mapping of the human genome.