Mother nature's two laws

"Every day brings a fresh barrage of bewildering claims about science and technology changing society. How can nonscientists tell the difference between the hyperbole and those developments that are important? With a modest amount of critical thinking, an understanding of how science is practiced, and a qualitative understanding of the two most sacred principles in science - the first and second laws of thermodynamics - anyone can make the distinction. Critical thinking and the practice of science generally are not emphasized in undergraduate science courses for nonscientists, and exposure to the first and second laws usually is reserved for physical science and engineering majors. This book introduces nonscientists to these topics and applies them to a variety of topical issues."--Jacket.