Sagan Standard
Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-28
CORE DEFINITION
"Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence" (sometimes shortened to ECREE), also known as the Sagan standard, is an aphorism popularized by science communicator Carl Sagan. He used the phrase in his 1979 book Broca's Brain and the 1980 television program Cosmos. It has been described as fundamental to the scientific method and is regarded as encapsulating the basic principles of scientific thinking.
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
"Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence" (sometimes shortened to ECREE), also known as the Sagan standard, is an aphorism popularized by science communicator Carl Sagan. He used the phrase in his 1979 book Broca's Brain and the 1980 television program Cosmos. It has been described as fundamental to the scientific method and is regarded as encapsulating the basic principles of scientific thinking.
Anchor fast decisions
Proposed by Carl Sagan: extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. The more counterintuitive the assertion, the higher the bar for evidence should be.
MINIMUM ACTION
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Source support: Explicit
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extraordinary_claims_require_extraordinary_evidenceverified
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