![]() Cover of the first edition | |
Author | Carl Sagan |
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Language | English |
Subjects | Scientific skepticism Science Philosophy |
Publisher | Random House |
Publication date | 1995/1997 |
Publication place | United States |
Media type | Print (hardcover and paperback) |
Pages | 457 |
ISBN | 0-345-40946-9 |
OCLC | 32855551 |
001.9 20 | |
LC Class | Q175 .S215 1995 |
Preceded by | Pale Blue Dot |
Followed by | Billions and Billions |
The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark is a 1995 book by the astrophysicist Carl Sagan. (Four of the 25 chapters were written with Ann Druyan).[1]: x In it, Sagan aims to explain the scientific method to laypeople and to encourage people to learn critical and skeptical thinking. He explains methods to help distinguish between ideas that are considered valid science and those that can be considered pseudoscience. 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.