Science Archives

Humankind: A Hopeful History by Rutger Bregman

What lies at the core of human nature? If you stripped away civilization, would we be fundamentally compassionate creatures? Or would we cheat, lie, and steal, with only self-interest in mind? In Humankind: A Hopeful History, Rutger Bregman argues that our species evolved to be friendly and compassionate. When we do evil things, he maintains, it’s not because we’re evil by nature, but for a variety of other reasons, including our desire to conform and to act for the greater good. Below is a brief overview of Humankind: A Hopeful History by Rutger Bregman.

Cosmos: Carl Sagan’s Top Quotes to Make You Think

Are you looking for Cosmos quotes by Carl Sagan? How can these quotes help you better understand the book? Carl Sagan is a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and perhaps the greatest astronomer of our age. In this book, he provides a comprehensive description of the science, philosophy, and history of astronomical discovery, from ancient Ionia to the time of the book’s publication in 1980. Below, we’ll take a look at some Cosmos quotes with explanations.

What Is the Purpose of Social Science? Freedom

What is the purpose of social science? What should it be? In The Sociological Imagination, professor and sociologist C. Wright Mills argues that the main purpose of social science must be the preservation of freedom. In his definition of freedom, Mills directly connects it to our choices. He also discusses the contemporary trends he says threaten the possibility of a free society. Keep reading to learn Mills’s perspective on the purpose of social science.

Carl Sagan on Mars Colonization and Space Exploration

Did Carl Sagan believe there’s life on Mars? Did he believe that humans should colonize the planet? At the time Sagan wrote Cosmos, no compelling evidence for life has been found on Mars. Sagan says that as long as life isn’t found, humans should create an atmosphere on Mars and attempt to colonize it. If life is found, that’s another story. Here’s what Carl Sagan wrote about space exploration and Mars.

Cosmos by Carl Sagan: Book Overview

What is Carl Sagan’s book Cosmos about? What’s out there in the vast reaches of space? Are we alone in the universe? Renowned astronomer Carl Sagan offers some insight into these questions and many more in his widely acclaimed book, Cosmos. In this book, he provides a comprehensive description of the science, philosophy, and history of astronomical discovery, from ancient Ionia to the time of the book’s publication in 1980. Here’s a brief overview of Cosmos.

Increasing Science Literacy: Advice From Carl Sagan

What if the general public were more scientifically aware? What’s the path to get there? In The Demon-Haunted World, Carl Sagan shares his concern about science illiteracy, especially in America. He believes that a general public that’s equipped with more knowledge about scientific principles and methods would be a positive force in the world. He outlines two ways to increase science literacy: improving science education (including instilling more enthusiasm for science) and increasing funding for scientific research. Let’s take a close look at this advice from Sagan.

Interstellar Space Travel—Carl Sagan’s Take

Is interstellar space travel feasible? What did the late Carl Sagan think about space travel? In his book Cosmos, the late astronomer Carl Sagan spoke about the possibility of interstellar space travel. He believed that it may be possible in the future with the use of nuclear fusion technology. He also said that we would likely need to use multigenerational spacecrafts if we wanted to make any significant progress. Here’s what Carl Sagan had to say about space travel.

The Stanford Prison Experiment: Zimbardo Lied?

What was the Stanford Prison Experiment? What do the results of the experiment tell us about human nature? In 1971, a team of psychologists led by Stanford professor Philip Zimbardo turned the basement of the Stanford psychology department into a “jail.” Zimbardo recruited 24 male college students, half of whom would play the role of guards and the other half the role of prisoners. After a few days, the guards began to treat the prisoners with brutality—they subjected them to strip searches, emotionally and verbally tormented them, and even physically abused them. Here’s why we shouldn’t make sweeping conclusions about

Carl Sagan’s Baloney Detection Kit: Check Your Beliefs

What’s Carl Sagan’s baloney detection kit? How can you use it to get at the truth about science and everything else? Scientists are trained with what Carl Sagan calls a “baloney detection kit.” They’re given tools for critical thinking and healthy skepticism that help them cut through the fog in the pursuit of truth. Sagan argues that we all need this kit, whether we’re trying to figure out the truth about the moon landing or an ad’s claim about toothpaste. In The Demon-Haunted World, Sagan explains how commercial culture tends to discourage critical thinking, shares three questions that foster healthy

The Importance of Being Optimistic About the Future

Why Having No Hope for the Future Causes Depression

Why should we be optimistic about the future? Why is infinite knowledge vital for our future? There are so many pessimistic predictions about the future, but there are based on our current knowledge. Accepting that there is more to learn can better improve lives and create an optimistic outlook for the future. Read why The Beginning of Infinity‘s author David Deutsch says infinite knowledge creates infinite optimism.