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The Varieties of Scientific Experience: A…
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The Varieties of Scientific Experience: A Personal View of the Search for God (edition 2006)

by Carl Sagan

Series: Gifford Lectures (1985)

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1,5563211,405 (4.28)16
Sagan sets down his detailed thoughts on the relationship between religion and science and describes his personal search to understand the nature of the sacred in the vastness of the cosmos. In 1985, Sagan was invited to give the famous Gifford Lectures in Scotland on the grand occasion of the lectureship's centennial. The result is this delightfully intimate discussion of his views on topics ranging from the likelihood of intelligent life on other planets to the danger of nuclear annihilation of our own, on creationism and so-called intelligent design to a new concept of science as "informed worship" to manic depression and the possible chemical nature of transcendence. In his trademark clear and down-to-earth voice, the late astronomer and astrophysicist illuminates his conversation with examples from cosmology, physics, philosophy, literature, psychology, cultural anthropology, mythology, theology, and more.--From publisher description.… (more)
Member:Ansi
Title:The Varieties of Scientific Experience: A Personal View of the Search for God
Authors:Carl Sagan
Info:Penguin Press HC, The (2006), Hardcover, 304 pages
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The Varieties of Scientific Experience: A Personal View of the Search for God by Carl Sagan

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» See also 16 mentions

English (31)  Portuguese (1)  All languages (32)
Showing 1-5 of 31 (next | show all)
"There are gods in everything" ( )
  Moshepit20 | Feb 28, 2024 |
Beautifully written talks given in the 80s about the relationship between science and religion. It was easy to hear Sagan’s voice while reading. A great scientist and a great human being. Shows how one can be skeptical and respectful at the same time.
  steve02476 | Jan 3, 2023 |
Incredible, insightful, mind expanding, and glad I read this one! There are so many thoughts that Sagan posits. Is there life on other planets? Is there a connection between a God/Being who made this universe? Are science and religion connected?

These are but a few of what I took away from reading this excellent book.
  Whisper1 | Nov 2, 2021 |
These erudite and accessible lectures open a comprehensive field,
not only of the impacts of personal religious beliefs on our actions,
but on the flowering of humanity.

One of the author's leadoffs is Percival Lowell and the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff -
when Carl Sagan last visited and offered a lecture to Astronomers and Students,
I was so lucky to be in the audience, a 4th grade Astronomy teacher from Wisconsin.

To add to the wonder, in this book, PLUTO was still a Planet, with no controversy proposed. ( )
1 vote m.belljackson | Oct 10, 2021 |
A beautiful illustration of Carl Sagan's lifelong quest to promote a spiritual skepticism. Sagan debunks canals on Mars in one chapter, and endorses theologian Paul Tillich in another, and introduces the book with a chapter describing his awe at the universe, using NASA photographs as 20th Century icons to ponder and commune with.

While he does an excellent job dismissing several arguments against evolutionary theory, his goal isn't to dismantle traditional religion; rather it's to share his vision of humanity as one with the stars. ( )
  poirotketchup | Mar 18, 2021 |
Showing 1-5 of 31 (next | show all)
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» Add other authors (3 possible)

Author nameRoleType of authorWork?Status
Sagan, Carlprimary authorall editionsconfirmed
Druyan, AnnEditorsecondary authorall editionsconfirmed

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In these lectures I would like, following the wording of the Gifford Trust, to tell you something of my views on what at least used to be called natural theology, which, as I understand it, is everything about the world not supplied by revelation.
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Sagan sets down his detailed thoughts on the relationship between religion and science and describes his personal search to understand the nature of the sacred in the vastness of the cosmos. In 1985, Sagan was invited to give the famous Gifford Lectures in Scotland on the grand occasion of the lectureship's centennial. The result is this delightfully intimate discussion of his views on topics ranging from the likelihood of intelligent life on other planets to the danger of nuclear annihilation of our own, on creationism and so-called intelligent design to a new concept of science as "informed worship" to manic depression and the possible chemical nature of transcendence. In his trademark clear and down-to-earth voice, the late astronomer and astrophysicist illuminates his conversation with examples from cosmology, physics, philosophy, literature, psychology, cultural anthropology, mythology, theology, and more.--From publisher description.

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