Demon-Haunted World: Science As a Essay

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Despite the fact that these programs are making every effort to not present a "balanced view" of the topics they cover, they still incite a "thirst" for the topic. In fact, by producing such "wonder" regarding phenomena that is explainable via the scientific method and a skeptical approach, these programs are actually motivating readers to perform their own research and studies on these topics. Such research could certainly inspire students to pursue various aspects of science related to those depicted on television that captivate their imagination the most, and allow for them to enter that field as a result. The disclaimer even adds to this sort of result. By readily acknowledging to viewers that there are alternate opinions and considerations related to a specific subject, the disclaimers for these pseudoscience programs are actually encouraging viewers to perform their own research -- the most prudent of which inevitably involves the scientific method.

In this respect, it appears that Sagan has widely missed the overarching point and value of television in general, let alone that related to science. Television is so powerful as a medium becomes it offers a virtually unparalleled degree of exposure, perhaps only rivaled by the internet. In that sense it matters very little whether or not the science on it is real or fabricated. It purpose in exposing viewers to a subject, which makes them aware of it and allows them to pursue their own research, is still achieved. And television is not the only such medium that has this effect on science and other topics. Movies, Wikipedia, certain other web sites and books all serve as the basis as a starting point for true research which the most sapient of people will follow up with their own research -- inevitably leading the best of these to actual science and its methodology.

In light of this fact, television programs can be excused for some of their lapses in actual science.

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Star Trek, for instance, despite its technical scientific fallacies, probably did more to influence astronomers and scientists studying aliens than any book during its heyday in the 1960's and 1970's. The same is probably true of Star Wars in the 1970's and 1980's. These programs serve as the inspiration for young people, not so young people, and students to pursue actual science due to the degree of exposure they afford phenomena that can only be explored fully via this methodology.

In many ways, Sagan's regard for television and its effect on science is the polar opposite of its actual impact on society. The passages in which he reviews some of the technical aspects of basketball, which is routinely one of the primary television attractions, in terms of their science is indicative of his misconception of the way this medium functions. Certainly there are scientific principles in the arc of the ball when shooting, the laws of gravity involved in dribbling, and other facets of this game. To attempt to discuss them on television, however, would merely detract from the spontaneity and thrill of the sport, which is demonstrable of that of real life, regardless of analysis. Any attempt to utilize basketball for scientific principles in a widespread, popular medium such as television would inherently lose its popularity.

In summary, Sagan's conception of television, its misrepresentations of science, and the impact it has on its audience is one of the few faults found in the Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark. Despite its inaccuracies and outright fallacies, television serves as the inspiration for scientists and for further research into true realms of science by simply exposing people to phenomena they would be unaware of. That is the medium's true purpose, and one redeeming value.

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