Quote:
Originally Posted by troutman
Ad hominen attacks? Speak to his claim, if you will.
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That ain't an ad hominen attack.
Okay, Sagan is speaking from a particular view on time and innovation. Namely, one that seeks human will and science as being primarily positive and progressive. If science's main benefit is that it always moves forward, then his claims are true. Unfortunately, he ignores human nature, politics, and ethical foundations.
Sagan is just a scientist. Scientists are not great men, their sciences are great. I'm reminded of Gulliver's Travels where Swift mocks the men of science who wield enormous power, control the heavens, but are unable to pleasure their wives.