Posted by Pat on October 22, 1999 at 17:29:04:
In Reply to: Sagan's Science posted by Tom on October 22, 1999 at 12:54:10:
Tom:
We were talking about Sagan's treatment of scientific
history not his work as a scientist. The references in Cosmos
are useless because they are not linked to the specific claims made
in the text. They are merely supplementary readings.
Pat: Since you've now become aware that Sagan did discuss Kepler's Platonic leanings, and even his reluctance to give them up until the evidence grabbed him by the collar, I suppose you've decided another subject might be more promising. Which scientist, writing for a popular audience, do you think does a better job of documenting sources than Sagan?
Nevertheless, this is more generous than most authors of popular science books will be. As I said, you have obviously never read any of his professional articles, if you suppose he does not document his claims. The rather loose standards of scholarship for popular science works was exceeded by Sagan. I wish all such authors could do as well.