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

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July 16, 2026

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The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark is a book by Carl Sagan, an American astronomer and science writer. Published in 1996, the book advocates for scientific rationality and critical thinking, using science as a tool to combat superstition, pseudoscience, and irrationality.1

Sagan emphasizes the importance of the scientific method as a way to understand the world and distinguish truth from falsehood. He argues that a skeptical approach, which questions claims and seeks evidence, is crucial for navigating a world filled with misinformation and unfounded beliefs. The book serves as a defense of science and a guide to critical thinking for the general public.12

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Carl Sagan
…in his last major book, The Demon-Haunted World (1996), significantly subtitled Science As a Candle in the Dark. Although he denied that he was an atheist, Sagan expressed skepticism about conventional religion, which he wanted to replace with a scientifically based belief system. Some critics claimed that Sagan’s arguments against…
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…in his last major book, The Demon-Haunted World (1996), significantly subtitled Science As a Candle in the Dark. Although he denied that he was an atheist, Sagan expressed skepticism about conventional religion, which he wanted to replace with a scientifically based belief system. Some critics claimed that Sagan’s arguments against…
Read More