He continues to counter every proposed physical test with a reason why the test will not work. When the visitor considers using an infra-red camera to view the creature's invisible fire, Sagan explains that the fire is heatless. The visitor suggests spreading flour on the floor so that the creature's footprints might be seen, which Sagan says is a good idea, "but this dragon floats in the air". Sagan replies that he "neglected to mention that she's an invisible dragon". When he persuades a rational, open-minded visitor to meet the dragon, the visitor remarks that they are unable to see the creature. Sagan states that when new ideas are offered for consideration, they should be tested by means of skeptical thinking and should stand up to rigorous questioning.Īs an example of skeptical thinking, Sagan offers a story concerning a fire-breathing dragon that lives in his garage. He explains methods to help distinguish between ideas that are considered valid science and those that can be considered pseudoscience. The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark is a 1995 book by astrophysicist Carl Sagan, in which the author aims to explain the scientific method to laypeople, and to encourage people to learn critical and skeptical thinking. It is a model for a way of knowing.1996 "First Edition" stated on copyright page Random House publishers, New York hardbound with black boards and gilt stamp lettering along spine decorative dust jacket very good condition with unmarked pages dust jacket very good. “Those who have something to sell, those who wish to influence public opinion, those in power, a skeptic might suggest, have a vested interest in discouraging skepticism.”įrom the first page to the last, this book is a manifesto for clear thought.Ĭarl Sagan argues that science is a way of thinking superior to any other-and not just for finding facts and laws about physics, biology or chemistry. Until they do, skeptics will remain a minority.īut Sagan leaves no doubt which side he’s on, and he recognizes that the forces of ignorance are widespread and powerful. He says that skeptics fail to see and appreciate the social and psychological needs that are met by New Age beliefs. Them-the sense that we have a monopoly on the truth that those other people who believe in all those stupid doctrines are morons.” “The chief deficiency I see in the skeptical movement,” he writes, “is in its polarization: Us vs. Sagan’s most thought-provoking chapter offers his observation that skeptics-those who demand proof for claims rather than feel-good belief-do not fully appreciate why so many people don’t. But that is a minor quibble about a glorious book.
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