The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark

By Carl Sagan

Synopsis: 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.

Published: 1st edition, 1995, 2nd edition, 1997 | ISBN-13: 978-0345409461

A fascinating read by possibly the greatest science communicator of our time. The list of logical fallacies (aka ‘Baloney Detection Kit’) is an excellent introduction to critical thinking and recognising poorly made arguments. @reneewebs – From 10 Great Books on Chemistry and Stuff

Author’s Hompage: http://www.carlsagan.com

Wikipedia Entry

The Guardian Book Review (2012)