Science as a Candle in the Dark
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 civilisation.
'The Demon-Haunted World' is more personal and richer in moving and revealing stories than anything Sagan has ever written. From his own childhood experience, to engrossing tales of discovery, Sagan shows how the method of scientific thought can cut through prejudice and hysteria and uncover the truth.
Warning against delusion, he convincingly debunks "alien abduction", "channellers", faithhealer fraud, and much else. Along the way, he refutes the argument that science destroys spirituality, asks why scientific study if often stigmatised, and provides a "baloney detection kit" for thinking through political, social and other issues.
Controversial, provocative and uplifting, this is sure to be one of the year's most talked-out books.
