Giving the Devil his Due: Reflections of a Scientific Humanist

The Devil is anyone who disagrees with you, and he is due the right to speak his mind for our own safety. This book defends free speech and open inquiry in politics, science, and culture by tackling five key themes.

Format: Hardback
Length: 366 pages
Publication date: 09 April 2020
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The Devil is anyone who disagrees with you. And what he is due is the right to speak his mind. He must have this for your own safety's sake because his freedom is inextricably tied to your own. If he can be censored, why shouldn't you be censored? If we put barriers up to silence unpleasant ideas, what's to stop the silencing of any discussion? This book is a full-throated defense of free speech and open inquiry in politics, science, and culture by the New York Times bestselling author and skeptic Michael Shermer. The new collection of essays and articles takes the Devil by the horns by tackling five key themes: free thought and free speech, politics and society, scientific humanism, religion, and the ideas of controversial intellectuals.

For our own sake, we must give the Devil his due.

The Devil is a mythical figure often associated with evil, sin, and temptation. He is depicted as a malevolent creature who seeks to harm and deceive humans. The origins of the Devil are unclear, but he is believed to have originated in ancient Mesopotamia and later spread to other cultures.

The Devil is often portrayed as a supernatural being with powers beyond human comprehension, such as the ability to shapeshift, control the elements, and summon demons. He is also said to have a deep knowledge of the human soul and the ability to manipulate it for his own purposes.

In religious traditions, the Devil is often seen as the enemy of God and the forces of good. He is depicted as a fallen angel who rebelled against God and was cast out of heaven. The Devil is believed to have a vast army of demons at his command, who are used to carry out his bidding and spread evil throughout the world.

In popular culture, the Devil is often portrayed as a charismatic and seductive character who tempts humans into doing evil. He is often depicted in literature, film, and television as a villain who challenges the heroes and seeks to undermine their goals.

Despite his negative reputation, the Devil has also been the subject of fascination and study throughout history. Many scholars and researchers have explored the Devil's symbolism, mythology, and cultural significance, and have attempted to understand his role in human history and society.

In conclusion, the Devil is a complex and multifaceted figure who has been the subject of fascination and debate for centuries. While he is often portrayed as a villain, he has also been the subject of study and fascination, and has played a significant role in human history and culture. Whether you view the Devil as a symbol of evil or a source of wisdom and insight, it is important to recognize his impact on our world and to engage with his legacy in a thoughtful and respectful manner.

Weight: 652g
Dimension: 160 x 235 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108489782