WORLD CRISIS, THE - AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT: A Revolution for Thought

In this review of WORLD CRISIS, THE - AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT: A Revolution for Thought and Action the reviewer finds a challenging, idea-driven work for readers who want a long-term framework for global problems. Nicholas Maxwell argues that the modern world has mastered scientific knowledge but not the wisdom to apply it for human flourishing, and this book frames that insight as the central reason to read it. For those seeking an intellectual diagnosis of climate change, pandemics, mass extinction, and the perils of modern technology, this volume offers a sustained moral and philosophical case for reorienting education and policy.

Key Features

• Diagnosis of modern crises: Maxwell connects climate change, pandemics, species loss and nuclear risk as consequences of science without wisdom, helping readers see these problems as parts of a single systemic issue.
• Philosophy of science focus: The book explains how the historical success of scientific methods left societies unprepared for broader moral and political challenges, giving readers a coherent intellectual framework.
• Call for institutional change: It argues universities and public institutions prioritize specialized technical knowledge and must shift toward cultivating wisdom for wiser social decisions.
• Practical urgency: Maxwell treats issues like environmental degradation and lethal modern war as immediate moral imperatives, urging action rather than abstract theorizing.
• Authoritative voice: Written by a long-established philosopher of science, the book leverages Maxwell's career to argue for a revolution in thought and public policy.

Who It's For

This book suits readers with interests in philosophy of science, public policy, environmental ethics, and education reform who want a conceptual overhaul rather than a technical manual. Academics, graduate students, and engaged citizens who appreciate sustained argumentation will find the work rewarding.

It is less suitable for readers seeking step-by-step policy blueprints, short practical guides, or light reading; those wanting narrowly technical treatments of climate science or epidemiology should look elsewhere for specialized data-driven handbooks.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Provides a unifying perspective that frames disparate global threats as outcomes of a common cultural shortcoming.
• Challenges institutions to rethink priorities, making it valuable for educators and policymakers.
• Written by a respected philosopher, lending depth and intellectual rigor to the proposals.

Cons

• The book prioritizes conceptual argument over detailed policy prescriptions, which may disappoint readers seeking concrete implementation steps.

Specifications

Title	WORLD CRISIS, THE - AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT
Subtitle	A Revolution for Thought and Action
Author	Nicholas Maxwell
Subject	Philosophy of science, social and ethical aspects of technology
Focus	Global problems, wisdom vs scientific knowledge
Intended audience	Scholars, educators, policymakers, engaged readers

Our Verdict

Nicholas Maxwell's book is a compelling intellectual intervention for anyone who believes the root causes of climate change, pandemics and existential technology risks are cultural and institutional rather than purely technical. It is good value for readers seeking a thoughtful, systemic diagnosis and a call to reorient education and public life, though those wanting detailed policy toolkits will need supplementary practical sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the book offer policy prescriptions?
It emphasizes institutional and educational change as a direction but focuses on conceptual argument rather than step-by-step policies.

Who is Nicholas Maxwell?
He is a long-established philosopher of science who has written extensively on the social aims of knowledge and the need for wiser institutions.

Is this a technical science book?
No, it is a philosophical and policy-oriented critique addressing the social consequences of scientific and technological development.