Can science exist independently of the foundational myths that shape human perception and interpretation of the world? Mary Midgley, a philosopher known for her work on the intersection of science and ethics, challenges the conventional binary that positions myth as the antithesis of scientific inquiry. She argues that myths function as essential symbolic networks that provide the necessary framework for scientific thought, suggesting that all human knowledge is rooted in underlying imaginative structures.

Scholars and readers frequently identify this work as a significant contribution to the philosophy of science, noting Midgley's ability to synthesize complex epistemological concepts into accessible prose. It is widely regarded as a foundational text for those interested in the cultural and psychological dimensions of scientific belief systems.