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- Description
- Full Record
- Author Notes
- Contents
- Excerpts
- Reviews
- Summary
- A\\V Summary
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"A glorious book . . . A spirited defense of science . . . From the first page to the last, this book is a manifesto for clear thought." *Los Angeles Times "POWERFUL . . . A stirring defense of informed rationality. . . Rich in surprising information and beautiful writing." *The Washington Post Book
… More »"A glorious book . . . A spirited defense of science . . . From the first page to the last, this book is a manifesto for clear thought." *Los Angeles Times "POWERFUL . . . A stirring defense of informed rationality. . . Rich in surprising information and beautiful writing." *The Washington Post Book World How can we make intelligent decisions about our increasingly technology-driven lives if we don't understand the difference between the myths of pseudoscience and the testable hypotheses of science? Pulitzer Prize-winning author and distinguished astronomer Carl Sagan argues that scientific thinking is critical not only to the pursuit of truth but to the very well-being of our democratic institutions. Casting a wide net through history and culture, Sagan examines and authoritatively debunks such celebrated fallacies of the past as witchcraft, faith healing, demons, and UFOs. And yet, disturbingly, in today's so-called information age, pseudoscience is burgeoning with stories of alien abduction, channeling past lives, and communal hallucinations commanding growing attention and respect. As Sagan demonstrates with lucid eloquence, the siren song of unreason is not just a cultural wrong turn but a dangerous plunge into darkness that threatens our most basic freedoms. "COMPELLING." *USA Today "A clear vision of what good science means and why it makes a difference. . . . A testimonial to the power of science and a warning of the dangers of unrestrained credulity." *The Sciences "PASSIONATE." *San Francisco Examiner-Chronicle
« LessScience and hope
The man in the moon and the face on mars
Aliens
Spoofing and secrecy
Hallucinations
The demon-haunted world
On the distinction between true and false visions
Therapy
The dragon in my garage
The city of grief
The fine art of baloney detection
Obsessed with reality
Antiscience
Newton's sleep
When scientists know sin
The marriage of skepticism and wonder
The wind makes dust
No such things as a dumb question
House on fire
The path to freedom
Significance junkies
Maxwell and the nerds
Science and witchcraft
Real patriots ask questions
Acknowledgements
References
Index
The most precious thing -- Science and hope -- The man in the moon and the face on mars -- Aliens -- Spoofing and secrecy -- Hallucinations -- The demon-haunted world -- On the distinction between true and false visions -- Therapy -- The dragon in my garage -- The city of grief -- The fine art of baloney detection -- Obsessed with reality -- Antiscience -- Newton's sleep -- When scientists know sin -- The marriage of skepticism and wonder -- The wind makes dust -- No such things as a dumb question -- House on fire -- The path to freedom -- Significance junkies -- Maxwell and the nerds -- Science and witchcraft -- Real patriots ask questions -- Acknowledgements -- References -- Index
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Add a CommentSagan questions & reveals the differences between pseudo-science & real science, based on facts, evidence, & repeatable experiment. He demonstrates the progress that fact-based science offers while also revealing it's dangers such as nuclear weaponry. The conclusions are stark and reflect his fears that the unquestioned claims of pseudoscience from astrology to creationism will allow anyone to believe what they want to believe with no facts or evidence to support their beliefs - that is not a sound or valid philosophy for gaining real knowledge.
Everyone should read this book!
Not one of his best. Disappointing for a Sagan admirer.
The combination of a great, sharp mind and good writing skill makes any works by Carl Sagan a pleasure to read. I wish he had lived longer. The world will be a more 'enlightened' world if there are more thinkers like him.
one of the most influential person in our century a great man and a great book
A great book by a great man. A must read for any thinking person
I've been meaning to pick this up for years. Nothing but good things have been said about it. I absolutely loved it and think every person should read it. Sagan advocates critical thinking and skepticism. With great insight and humor, Sagan shows us how people are duped into accepting dubious claims, and how everything comes down to evidence. If the evidence does not support a claim, why believe it? The first part of the book deals with science and why we are supposed to questions all beliefs and ask for evidence. The second part deals with particular claims and why they do not warrant our acceptance of their truth. The end of the book deals with stereotypes, the wonders that science brings to light, and why science is a candle in the dark. "The Demon-Haunted World" is an invaluable tool for the modern citizen.
The best single introduction to critical thinking ever. Mandatory reading for all who want to understand how muddy thinking can cause all forms of havoc.
I very much enjoy Carl Sagan's works.
A classic in the skeptical literature.