Carl Sagan’s The Demon Haunted World

Carl Sagan’s The Demon-Haunted World does an incredible job of clarifying what constitutes science is and what does not. He visibly demonstrates his view that the “wonders of science” are equally fascinating, and far more reliable than alternate disciplines that depend on myth and superstition. Thus the book is committed to ridding the planet of these imaginary demons that prohibit us from soaking up the vast amounts of knowledge that Sagan deems truly significant. Sagan adamantly contends that the scientific method of critical thought "may be all that stands between us and the enveloping darkness".

Despite the evolution and rapid acceptance of social sciences like psychology and sociology, a wide gap still seems to exist between the occult science and more “respected” sciences like chemistry and biology. Sagan further widens the gap by asserting, "skeptical scrutiny is the means, in both science and religion, by which deep thoughts can be winnowed from deep nonsense." This is just one of the many subjects Sagan addresses in this book, others of which include everything from UFO’s to reincarnation. The volume contains a wealth of valuable information and offers a myriad of insightful viewpoints that, by nature, inspire “deep thoughts”.

Scientists are willing to accept all sorts of external explanations for human behavior and the state of the world, based on everything from genetic transfer to social interaction. Yet most, like Sagan, are not willing to acknowledge the occult sciences as viable areas of study. A great many scientists, from astronomers to chemists to sociologists, are troubled by the widespread growth of alternative practices such as astrology, alternative medicine, palmistry, numerology, and other “mystic pseudo-sciences”, but none seem quite so disturbed by the matter as Carl Sagan.

Sagan’s views on “real” science are much more complimentary than his assessments of the pseudo-sciences, as he explains, "science is an attempt...to understand the world, to get a grip on things, to get hold of ourselves, to steer a safe course". Sagan goes on to point out that in contrast to pseudo-science, the scientific method has been generally successful: "Microbiology and meteorology now explain what only a few centuries ago was considered sufficient cause to burn women to death."

One of the most interesting sections of this book is The Skeptical Toolkit. In this chapter, Sagan highlights the most common logical fallacies, and provides illustrious examples demonstrating how and why these fallacies exist. Sagan’s wry sense of humor allows him to make even the most potentially dry topics, stimulating. Yet there is far more than witty speculation involved. Sagan reinforces his philosophies with numerous paradigms that demonstrate the widespread deception of humanity in the form of crop circles, UFO abductions, astrology, witch hunting, and demonology, just to name a few. Sagan steadfastly asserts that the concept of critical thinking, along with a thorough inspection of the facts, and a confidence in the powers of scientific method have all proven the occult sciences to be essentially without merit. Sagan points out, the pseudo-sciences crumble under the weight of skeptical analysis. He furthermore points out that the results uncovered in various research studies are not reproducible and frequently ride on the coat tails of the more legitimate sciences.

There is no doubt that The Demon-Haunted World is Sagan’s platform for his mission to discredit every human concept that is not based concretely in fact. His views of reincarnation, for example, are particularly uncomplimentary in that he not only finds the concept ludicrous but finds those who believe in it to be disturbingly naïve.

Despite his lack of respect for those who believe in the pseudo-sciences, Sagan never forgets that the people whose beliefs he challenges are, like him, just human beings trying to make sense of the world. Along the way, he even reveals pieces of his background that give the reader a clearer understanding of his views and how he acquired them. Sagan does seem however, to be baffled by the fact that in an age of scientific reliance, so many people continue to believe in the pseudo-sciences.

Sagan's objective is clearly to discredit pseudo-science, but The Demon-Haunted World also has aspirations to encourage us all to think scientifically and skeptically. Sagan includes tutorials on approaches to incorporate when analyzing a situation. He poses scores of contemplative questions and offers a myriad of alternatives to consider when attempting to answer these questions. Sagan furthermore confronts American social issues, such as education, racism, freedom and the ethical responsibilities of scientists.

It is almost as if The Demon-Haunted World serves as a warning that if we do not, as a society, begin to demand that all claims be supported by scientific fact, it will eventually be the ruin of us. Carl Sagan’s final book offers uniquely insightful and often comical perspectives on mankind’s belief systems while at the same time promoting a call for action to dispel the myths and embrace the legitimate sciences.