Carl Sagan on science as a tool

The following is a quote from "Ways of Knowing" by Bill Broderick, an article in the Autumn 2005 issue of Humanist Perspectives.

Carl Sagan, in his book Cosmos (1980), wrote: “There is no other species on Earth that does science. It is, so far, entirely a human invention, evolved by natural selection in the cerebral cortex for one simple reason: it works. It is not perfect. It can be misused. It is only a tool. But it is by far the best tool we have, self-correcting, on-going, applicable to everything. It has two rules. First: there are no sacred truths; all assumptions must be critically examined; arguments from authority are worthless. Second: whatever is inconsistent with the facts must be discarded or revised. We must understand the Cosmos as it is and not confuse how it is with how we wish it to be.”

December 2005 Freethought Activities

Sat., Dec. 10, 10am
Secular Singers at Dan’s house, 4925 Spruce Dr., Sand Springs. Join Bea, Randy, Gail, Julia, and Dan to sing freethought and other songs.

Sun., Dec. 11, 2pm
Humanist Study Group at Border’s, 81st & Yale. Discussion leader: Glenn Visher. Topic: “The Nature of Personality: Genes, Culture, and National Character” by Richard W. Robins.

Sun., Dec. 18, 2pm
HAT Monthly Membership Meeting and Food & Fellowship Gathering at Randy Bradley’s, 6705 E. 54th. Annual election of officers. Program: Musical presentation by The Secular Singers.

Wed., Dec. 21, 11:30am ALGAE luncheon at White River Fish Market, 1708 N. Sheridan.

There is no TAR meeting this month. Next TAR meeting will be Jan. 17.

Questions? Call Dan at 798-3629.