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The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark, by Carl Sagan
Carl Sagan discusses and analyzes many of the strange beliefs people have today and presents a strong argument for a using a scientific, i.e. skeptical, approach to understanding all such claims. Covers many topics, with a special emphasis on UFO's, a subject Sagan followed closely for many years, and includes an insightful comparison of UFO abduction stories with stories of demons and other so-called paranormal occurrences in the past. Sagan argues that at the heart of science is a balance between "openness to new ideas" and "the most ruthlessly skeptical scrutiny of all ideas, old and new" (p.304). Sagan also passionately argues for the importance of science education. One comes away from this book with a clear head, ready to challenge any weird belief with a skeptical, yet open mind.An Encyclopedia of Claims, Frauds, and Hoaxes of the Occult and Supernatural, by James Randi, introduction by Arthur C. Clarke
This wonderful encyclopedia is an excellent bedside companion. It is packed with information on weird beliefs including stories of the occult and supernatural, frauds, and hoaxes. Full of wit and sarcasm, this book entertains while it educates.Ever Since Darwin : Reflections in Natural History, by Stephen Jay Gould
A collection of short essays on natural history, Darwinism, and related topics. Gould's debunking of the popular idea that evolution equals progress is of particular interest.Fads and Fallacies in the Name of Science, by Martin Gardner
A classic attack on pseudoscience. Although originally written and published in the fifties, it is shocking how much misinformation described in this book continues to prosper today. Includes chapters on UFOs, Dianetics, creationism, medical cults and quacks, and ESP.How to Think About Weird Things: Critical Thinking for a New Age, by Theodore Schick, Jr. and Lewis Vaughn, foreword by Martin Gardner
A guide to critical thinking with special emphasis on understanding the scientific method. Includes many examples of how to critically evaluate weird beliefs and an appendix with a list of common fallacies.Meaning of It All : Thoughts of a Citizen Scientist, by Richard Feynman
Contains a series of three lectures Feynman gave in the 60's on science and society. Feynman discusses the scientific method and then considers religion, ethics, politics and other topics from the viewpoint of a practicing scientist.The Third Chimpanzee, by Jared Diamond
An overview of the possible ways in which various human traits may have evolved. Includes theories regarding the development of human sexuality and a section on the development of "uniquely human" traits such as language, art, and the use of dangerous drugs. Also considers the human capacity for war, the destruction of the environment, extermination of other species, and then finishes with a hopeful look at the future.Questioning the Millennium: A Rationalist's Guide to a Precisely Arbitrary Countdown, by Stephen Jay Gould
A rational look at millennium madness. Organized into three sections covering the three big questions a level headed person is likely to ask about the millennium, "what," "when," and "why," or in other words, what is this arbitrary thousand year period called the millennium that does not reflect any natural cycle, when does the next millennium begin (January 1, 2000; January 1, 2001, or some other date), and why does our calendar work the way it does.Why People Believe Weird Things: Pseudoscience, Superstition, and Other Confusions of Our Time, by Michael Shermer, foreword by Stephen Jay Gould
A skeptical challenge to many of the weird beliefs of our time. This is the kind of book you cannot put down. It is very engaging. Starts with an overview of the scientific method, the principles of critical thinking, and a list of common fallacies, then goes on to cover ESP, near-death experiences, UFO abduction claims, witch crazes, cults, creationism, holocaust deniers, and many other related topics.Discourse on Method and the Meditations, by Rene Descartes
The first meditation is one of the great skeptical statements of modern philosophy. Unfortunately, Descartes continued with an old argument for the existence of God in the second meditation in order to extract himself from the extreme skepticism of the first meditation and was soon oceans away from his initial position.A Spinoza Reader : The Ethics and Other Works, by Benedict Spinoza, edited by Edwin Curley
This reader includes selections from the Theologico-Political Treatise, a complete translation of The Ethics, and other short works. The Theologico-Political Treatise is perhaps best known today for its critique of the Bible. Although Spinoza "proves" the existence of God in the first book of The Ethics, many religious types soon recognized that Spinoza's God did not resemble the traditional God of Judaism and Christianity.Theologico-Political Treatise : Political Treatise, by Benedict Spinoza, translated by R.H. Elwes
This work is best known today for its textual critique of the Bible. Spinoza was one of the first modern thinkers to analyze the Bible as a text created by humans and not as a revelation from God.Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion, by David Hume
A set of twelve dialogues critical of arguments for the existence of God and religion founded upon ignorance and irrational fears.An Enquiry concerning Human Understanding, by David Hume, edited by Tom L. Beauchamp
This is one of the sacred books of modern skepticism. Hume attacks the very idea of cause and effect as a relationship that cannot be observed, emphasizes the uncertainty of all human knowledge, and presents a strong case against belief in "miracles."Candide, by Voltaire, translated by John Butt
A wonderful satire that challenges the idea the we live in "the best of all possible worlds," an idea Voltaire found inadequate to account for the genuine suffering that exists in the world.Letters on England, by Voltaire, translated by Leonard Tancock
A series of twenty-five letters depicting England as the land of freedom, tolerance, and progress as compared with a France mired in Medievalism. The final letter is collection of critical remarks on Pascal's Pensées, which point out the irrationality of many of Pascal's statements.Philosophical Dictionary, by Voltaire, translated by Theodore Besterman
A collection of short essays on a variety of topics (many concerning religion), arranged in alphabetical order. Topics include: soul, angel, Christianity, fanaticism, fraud, miracles, religion, common sense, and superstition. Votaire's witty and unrelenting attack on irrationality makes for a great read.A Treatise on Toleration and Other Essays, by Voltaire, translated by Joseph McCabe
A collection of essays on religion, or rather, the irrationality of religion. Includes "Homily on the Interpretation of the Old Testament," "Homily on the Interpretation of the New Testament," and "A Treatise on Toleration."Essays and Aphorisms, by Arthur Schopenhauer, translated by R.J. Hollingdale
A selection of essays and aphorisms from Parerga and Paralipomena. Schopenhauer is known for his pessimistic outlook. He was greatly influenced by Indian philosophy and Platonism. Although he was not a skeptic in the manner of Hume or Voltaire, his monumental achievement was the creation of a systematic philosophy complete with metaphysics that left God entirely out of the picture. Schopenhauer postulated an irrational force, which he referred to as "will," at the core of reality.The World as Will and Representation: Volume I
The World as Will and Representation: Volume II
by Arthur Schopenhauer, translated by E.F. Payne
In these two volumes Schopenhauer elucidates a "single thought" that solves the "enigma of the world," which is essentially the idea that the world is composed of "will" and "representation." The first volume contains Schopenhauer's complete thesis in support of this theory, while the second volume contains a collection of supplementary essays. Although Schopenhauer is quite critical of science at times, his significance to skepticism lies in his creation of a systematic philosophy that replaces the personal God of Christianity with an irrational force, called "will." Nietzsche's criticism that Schopenhauer's system is no more than a philosophical version of Christianity or other "life-denying" religions, however, may be valid.Beyond Good and Evil : Prelude to a Philosophy of the Future, by Friedrich Nietzsche, translated by Walter Kaufmann
Perhaps Nietzsche's greatest contribution to skepticism was his unrelenting attack on all systems, philosophies, and religions that posited the existence of another "real world" outside of the so-called apparent one in which we live. Nietzsche took his skepticism a step further than most believers in the scientific method would approve of, however, with attacks on science, the concept of progress, and even at times our idea of "truth."A Nietzsche Reader, selected and translated by R.J. Hollingdale
Short selections from various works organized by topic. This book is a great starting place for anyone new to Nietzsche. The selections give a good overview of Nietzsche's thought and main concerns.The Gay Science : With a Prelude in Rhymes and an Appendix of Songs, by Friedrich Nietzsche, translated by Walter Kaufmann
This is the work in which Nietzsche first stated that "God is dead."Portable Nietzsche, by Friedrich Nietzsche, translated by Walter Kaufmann
Includes complete translations of Thus Spoke Zarathustra, Twilight of the Idols, The Antichrist, and Nietzsche Contra Wagner, along with short selections from other works.Twilight of the Idols and The Anti-Christ, by Friedrich Nietzsche, translated by R.J. Hollingdale
In Twilight of the Idols Nietzsche attacks the great idols of his time (many of which are still idolized today), including belief in an afterlife, belief in false or imaginary causes, and belief in the possible "improvement" of mankind. The Anti-Christ is Nietzsche's great attack on Christianity with a few barbs thrown at Buddhism here and there for good measure.Age of Reason, by Thomas Paine
A great classic of rational thinking. Paine argues that the Bible is not a revelation from God, but rather a very human work full of contradictions and irrational statements.The Bible According to Mark Twain: Irreverent Writings on Eden, Heaven, and the Flood by America's Master Satirist, by Mark Twain, edited by Howard G. Baetzhold and Joseph B. McCullough
This is a wonderful collection of biblical satire by Mark Twain. Includes "Extracts from Adam's Diary," "Eve's Diary," Captain Stormfield's Visit to Heaven," and "Letters from the Earth," along with many other stories including several that are unavailable elsewhere. There are also several interesting selections in the appendix, including "Selected Passages on God and the Bible from Autobiographical Dictations of June 1906."The Essence of Christianity, by Ludwig Feuerbach, translated by George Eliot
Post-Hegelian analysis of the dependence of Christian theology on human nature. This book gets a bit out there at times, but is important for its humanistic analysis of Christianity.Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion, by David Hume
A set of twelve dialogues critical of arguments for the existence of God and religion founded upon ignorance and irrational fears.Selected Essays, by Ralph Waldo Emerson, edited by Larzer Ziff
Although Emerson was by no means a "skeptic," his thought displays an occasional skeptical influence. "The Divinity School Address," in particular, is of interest for its exposition of a very liberal theological viewpoint that brought Emerson into conflict with the Unitarians of his day and eventually necessitated his stepping down from the pulpit.Twilight of the Idols and The Anti-Christ, by Friedrich Nietzsche, translated by R.J. Hollingdale
In Twilight of the Idols Nietzsche attacks the great idols of his time (many of which are still idolized today), including belief in an afterlife, belief in false or imaginary causes, and belief in the possible "improvement" of mankind. The Anti-Christ is Nietzsche's great attack on Christianity with a few barbs thrown at Buddhism here and there for good measure.Russell on Religion: Selections from the Writings of Bertrand Russell, edited by Louis Greenspan and Stefan Andersson
A collection essays on religion by one of the twentieth-century's great skeptics. The selections are organized into five parts, "Personal Statements," "Religion and Philosophy," "Religion and Science," "Religion and Morality," and "Religion and History." Includes many of Russell's best writings on religion, including "Why I Am not a Christian," "Mysticism and Logic," and "Science and Religion."A Letter Concerning Toleration, by John Locke
Locke's passionate argument for the separation of church and state and the need for mutual toleration among not only Christian sects but different religions. Unfortunately, Locke makes one exception to his call for toleration, atheism, and expresses fear that atheism leads to immorality.A Treatise on Toleration and Other Essays, by Voltaire, translated by Joseph McCabe
A collection of essays on religion, or rather, the irrationality of religion. Includes "Homily on the Interpretation of the Old Testament," "Homily on the Interpretation of the New Testament," and "A Treatise on Toleration."
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