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

Sagan makes the case for a connection between scientific thinking and the health of American democracy. Research three aspects of US democracy in the last decade. How do they support or contradict his argument?

Late in the book, Sagan makes a distinction between "pure" science and results-oriented science. Explain Sagan’s distinction and provide examples of two scientists in the book who represent these different approaches to research.

Sagan connects low literacy rates and a diminished understanding of science to poverty and fewer opportunities for social advancement. How does he make this argument? Why is he careful not to make the connection fully causal?

In the book’s later chapters, Sagan provides several solutions to making science more available and accessible to the wider public. Research whether any of his suggestions have been implemented. Why or why not?

Sagan provides many examples of how belief in pseudoscience creates real-world harm. Choose three of these examples and explore Sagan’s conclusions.

Are the skeptical views that Sagan promotes compatible with organized religion? If so, which religions? How does Sagan suggest organized religions implement skeptical thinking?

Sagan suggests scientists bear an ethical responsibly, particularly in contemporary times. Explain when he means by this. Research how ethics is practiced in science today. Do the ethics boards that approve or reject experiments live up to Sagan's ideals? Why or why not?

Does Sagan's idea of skepticism apply to fields other than science? Would his proposed way of thinking work for the arts, for example? Why or why not?