Science Set Free

Science Set Free challenges ten fundamental assumptions that Sheldrake argues restrict and constrain modern scientific inquiry. The book examines beliefs about consciousness, mechanistic medicine, and the laws of nature that many take for granted. Through research examples and scientific studies, Sheldrake questions whether memories are stored in the brain, if nature's constants are fixed, and if matter is unconscious. He presents alternative frameworks for understanding phenomena like telepathy, the effects of intention on physical systems, and the evolution of species. The work proposes that science could advance faster by loosening its commitments to materialism and exploring broader possibilities. This core argument links to deeper questions about the relationship between science, evidence, and the boundaries of acceptable inquiry.

Readers appreciate Sheldrake's critique of materialist assumptions in science and his proposal of alternative hypotheses. Many reviews note the book presents complex ideas in accessible language. Several readers highlight the chapters on consciousness and medicine as particularly compelling. Common criticisms include Sheldrake's use of anecdotal evidence and what some see as confirmation bias in selecting studies. Some readers find his theory of morphic resonance unconvincing or insufficiently supported. A number of negative reviews come from readers who disagree with his challenges to scientific orthodoxy. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (400+ ratings) Sample reader comments: "Makes you question basic assumptions about science we take for granted" - Goodreads "Too much speculation, not enough hard evidence" - Amazon "Clear explanations of complex topics without oversimplifying" - LibraryThing "Important questions raised but conclusions sometimes overreach" - Goodreads

The Structure of Scientific Revolutions by Thomas S. Kuhn Documents how scientific paradigms shift through history and challenges the notion of linear scientific progress.

Biocentrism by Robert Lanza Presents a theory that consciousness creates reality rather than emerging from matter.

The Field by Lynne McTaggart Examines quantum physics experiments and research suggesting the existence of an interconnected zero-point field that links all matter.

The Biology of Belief by Bruce Lipton Explores epigenetics and cell biology to demonstrate how environment and beliefs influence genetic expression.

Breaking the Spell by Daniel Dennett Examines the scientific study of religion while questioning materialist assumptions about consciousness and human experience.

🔬 Rupert Sheldrake was a Fellow of Clare College, Cambridge, where he served as Director of Studies in biochemistry and cell biology before writing this book, which challenges ten core beliefs he calls "the dogmas of modern science." 🧪 The book was published under two different titles: "The Science Delusion" in the UK and "Science Set Free" in the US, reflecting different cultural approaches to scientific skepticism. 🌟 Sheldrake's controversial "morphic resonance" theory, discussed in the book, suggests that nature has an inherent memory and that natural laws may be more like habits that can evolve over time. 🎓 A TED talk Sheldrake gave about this book was temporarily removed from the TEDx YouTube channel, sparking a heated debate about censorship in scientific discourse and leading to increased interest in the book. 🔋 The book examines whether consciousness is produced by the brain or if the brain acts more like a receiver - similar to how a TV set receives signals rather than generating them - drawing on research in neuroscience and quantum physics.