This book is an historical narrative of academic appointments, significant personal and collaborative research endeavours, and important editorial and institutional engagements. For forty years Michael Matthews has been a prominent international researcher, author, editor and organiser in the field of 'History, Philosophy and Science Teaching'. He has systematically brought his own discipline training in science, psychology, philosophy of education, and the history and philosophy of science, to bear upon theoretical, curricular and pedagogical issues in science education. The book includes accounts of philosophers who greatly influenced his own thinking and who also were personal friends - Wallis Suchting, Abner Shimony, Robert Cohen, Marx Wartofsky, Israel Scheffler, Michael Martin and Mario Bunge. It advocates the importance of clear writing and avoidance of faddism in both philosophy and in education. It concludes with a proposal for informed and enlightened science teacher education.
"The book is carefully organized in ten chronological chapters. ... All chapters are filled with stories about how Michael fought for his academic core beliefs. ... Michael Matthew s life is proof that one can remain fascinated and curious about life (or one s profession of choice) and take proud in their accomplishments and contributions to educating society for a different future, more hopeful for humankind." (Giuliano Reis, Science & Education, Vol. 34 (1), 2025)