The Demon-Haunted World

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

In this book, the late, best-selling science writer, Carl Sagan, takes on the question as to why people believe in things such as UFOs, faith healing, communication with the dead, and fairies.

At one level, the book is an examination of the psychological reasons why people often believe in the irrational, or the scientifically unproven. Unlike many other sceptics, Sagan handles the topic with a charm and clarity that will convince rather than antagonise.

Like many other commentators, he is afraid of society slipping back into the "darkness" of superstition and ignorance. And, as a harrowing chapter on the persecution of "witches" illustrates, the effects of blind ignorance can be disastrous.

At its core, The Demon-Haunted World is a book about distinguishing science from pseudo-science, doctor from quack, and the real thing from a sham. To this end, Sagan outlines a useful collection of tools he calls the "baloney detection kit."

As a lesson in critical thinking, and more broadly just a celebration of common sense, it is both hugely enjoyable and enlightening. And, even though it was originally published ten years ago, it may be more relevant now than it was then.

(Review by Marcus Louw)

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