Drifting Continents and Shifting Theories

This innovative book uses the story of how a modern science achieved its present shape and focus to examine the nature of scientific change and its philosophical and social analysis. The 'modern revolution in geology' of the 1960s and 1970s saw the triumph of the global theory of plate tectonics; a decisive turning point in fifty years' controversy and competition, first sparked in 1912 by Wegener's proposal of continental drift. The book may be read as an introduction to and history of central concepts of modern geology; as a social and intellectual account of a major revolution in science; and as an incisive commentary on and constructive criticism of several interpretations of the nature of science and the process of scientific change. Its structure, content and approach make it accessible to general readers, yet at the same time of interest to professionals and students of geology and of the history, philosophy and sociology of science.Le Grand, H. E. is the author of 'Drifting Continents and Shifting Theories' with ISBN 9780521311052 and ISBN 0521311055.