The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark Paperback - 1997
by Carl Sagan; Ann Druyan
Summary
Reader reviews for The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark
Review summary
Readers largely praise The Demon-Haunted World as a lucid, humane defense of skepticism and the scientific method, often calling it essential or even “required” reading. Many highlight its prescience in today’s misinformation climate, its linkage of science to democracy and education, and memorable tools like the “baloney detection kit.” Sagan’s blend of rigor and wonder resonates, though detractors cite a preachy or condescending tone at times, an overlong focus on UFOs, and a tendency to treat empiricism as the only truth. Some also note dated examples and occasional political digressions or that it preaches to the choir. Overall, the consensus deems it a timely, galvanizing call for critical thinking that remains powerful despite minor shortcomings.
Readers say this book is:
insightfulprescientthought-provokinginspiringeducationalaccessiblesoberingengagingoccasionally condescendingdated in partsWrite a review for this book
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From the publisher
First line
From the jacket flap
*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
Details
- Title The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark
- Author Carl Sagan; Ann Druyan
- Binding Paperback
- Edition Reprint
- Pages 480
- Volumes 1
- Language ENG
- Publisher Ballantine Books, Westminster, Maryland, U.s.a.
- Publication date 1997-02-25
- Features Index, Table of Contents
- ISBN 9780345409461 / 0345409469
- Weight 0.74 lbs (0.34 kg)
- Dimensions 8.19 x 5.43 x 0.87 in (20.80 x 13.79 x 2.21 cm)
- Category Science
- Library of Congress subjects Science - Methodology, Science - Study and teaching
- Library of Congress Catalogue Number 96097105
- Dewey Decimal Code 507.21
Media reviews
Citations
- New York Times, 04/13/1997, Page 32
About the author
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