The demon-haunted world

science as a candle in the dark
Carl Sagan
Book - 1996

"Are we on the brink of a new Dark Age of irrationality and superstition? In this stirring, brilliantly argued book, internationally respected scientist Carl Sagan shows how scientific thinking is necessary to safeguard our democratic institutions and our technical civilization.The Demon-Haunted World is more personal and richer in moving and revealing human stories than anything Sagan has previously written. With illustrations from his own childhood experience as well as engrossing tales of discovery, Sagan shows how the method of scientific thought can cut through prejudice and hysteria to uncover the often surprising truth. He convincingly debunks "alien abduction," "channelers," faith-healer fraud, the "face" on Mars, and much else. Along the way, he refutes the arguments that science destroys spirituality or is just another arbitrary belief system, asks why scientific study is often stigmatized, discusses the dangers of the misuse of science, and provides a "baloney detection kit" for thinking through political, social, religious, and other issues."--Jacket.

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Barcode Status Material Type CallNumber Availability
37413315250573 Available Non-fiction 001.9 SAGAN  Place a Hold
Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Sagan, Carl, 1934-1996
Format: Book
Language:English
Published: New York : Ballantine Books, 1997, c1996.
Edition:1st Ballantine Books ed.
Subjects:

MARC

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245 1 4 |a The demon-haunted world :  |b science as a candle in the dark /  |c Carl Sagan. 
250 |a 1st Ballantine Books ed. 
260 |a New York :  |b Ballantine Books,  |c 1997, c1996. 
300 |a xviii, 457 p. ;  |c 21 cm. 
500 |a "March 1997." 
520 1 |a "Are we on the brink of a new Dark Age of irrationality and superstition? In this stirring, brilliantly argued book, internationally respected scientist Carl Sagan shows how scientific thinking is necessary to safeguard our democratic institutions and our technical civilization.The Demon-Haunted World is more personal and richer in moving and revealing human stories than anything Sagan has previously written. With illustrations from his own childhood experience as well as engrossing tales of discovery, Sagan shows how the method of scientific thought can cut through prejudice and hysteria to uncover the often surprising truth. He convincingly debunks "alien abduction," "channelers," faith-healer fraud, the "face" on Mars, and much else. Along the way, he refutes the arguments that science destroys spirituality or is just another arbitrary belief system, asks why scientific study is often stigmatized, discusses the dangers of the misuse of science, and provides a "baloney detection kit" for thinking through political, social, religious, and other issues."--Jacket. 
504 |a Includes bibliographical references (p. [439]-448) and index. 
505 0 |a 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 thing as a dumb question -- House on fire -- The path to freedom -- Significance junkies -- Maxwell and the nerds -- Science and witchcraft -- Real patriots ask questions. 
650 0 |a Science  |x Methodology  |v Popular works. 
650 0 |a Science  |x Study and teaching  |v Popular works. 
650 0 |a Literacy  |v Popular works. 
650 0 |a Science and civilization  |v Popular works. 
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952 f f |p Standard Circulation  |a City of Spokane  |b Spokane Public Library  |c Branches  |d South Hill  |t 0  |e 001.9 SAGAN  |h Dewey Decimal classification  |i Non-fiction  |j None  |m 37413315250573