This title explains why the social character of scientific knowledge makes it trustworthy. Do doctors and climate experts really know what they are talking about? Why should we trust science when our own politicians don't? This landmark book offers a bold and compelling defense of science, revealing why the social character of scientific knowledge is its greatest strength-and the main reason we can trust it. Tracing the history and philosophy of science from the late 19th century to today, it explains that contrary to popular belief, there is no single scientific method. Rather, the trustworthiness of scientific claims derives from the social process by which they are rigorously vetted. This process is not perfect-nothing ever is when humans are involved-but the volume draws vital lessons from cases where scientists got it wrong. It shows how consensus is a crucial indicator of when a scientific matter has been settled, and when the knowledge produced is likely to be trustworthy.