Book Reviews: Secularism, Humanism, Humanists, Humanist Beliefs
What are secularism and humanism? Is it possible for a person to live without religion? Is it possible to be moral without religion? Must society have a religion in order to maintain order? Are secularism and humanism superior to traditional religions? These questions and more are addressed in the books reviewed here.
Mencken: The American Iconoclast
Henry Louis Mencken is one of the most important journalists and defenders of free speech in American history, yet he was also a complicated person. He defended free speech, but was disdainful of everyone he considered an intellectual inferior. Who was he, really?
Henry Louis Mencken is one of the most important journalists and defenders of free speech in American history, yet he was also a complicated person. He defended free speech, but was disdainful of everyone he considered an intellectual inferior. Who was he, really?
Humanism, What's That? A Book for Curious Kids
There are lots of books out there designed to explain various religions to children, but what about non-religious, non-theistic belief systems? Is there anything that can help children better understand what is believed by neighbors, friends, and relatives who don't accept religion? There isn't much, unfortunately, and thus many children continue to accept half-truths and myths.
There are lots of books out there designed to explain various religions to children, but what about non-religious, non-theistic belief systems? Is there anything that can help children better understand what is believed by neighbors, friends, and relatives who don't accept religion? There isn't much, unfortunately, and thus many children continue to accept half-truths and myths.
Humanism: An Introduction
Humanism, in one form or another, has been part of Western culture for several thousand years. Its roots can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, many of its principles were revived during the Renaissance, and those principles were integrated into the political and cultural developments of the Enlightenment. Today, organized humanism has little influence on either politics or culture.
Humanism, in one form or another, has been part of Western culture for several thousand years. Its roots can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, many of its principles were revived during the Renaissance, and those principles were integrated into the political and cultural developments of the Enlightenment. Today, organized humanism has little influence on either politics or culture.
Toward A New Political Humanism
The past decades have witnessed a resurgence of the power and influence of religious fundamentalism. Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Jews, and more have increasingly turned to religious fundamentalism for answers to political issues that divide their societies. Humanist philosophy can be used against fundamentalism, but can humanists develop a political humanism?
The past decades have witnessed a resurgence of the power and influence of religious fundamentalism. Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Jews, and more have increasingly turned to religious fundamentalism for answers to political issues that divide their societies. Humanist philosophy can be used against fundamentalism, but can humanists develop a political humanism?
Affirmations: Joyful And Creative Exuberance
Many people regard atheism as an ultimately negative, life-denying outlook on human existence. They can't conceive of an atheistic philosophy that affirms life, is joyous, and offers an optimistic perspective. Not only are such people very mistaken, but they are missing out on a great deal that some atheistic philosophies have to offer.
Many people regard atheism as an ultimately negative, life-denying outlook on human existence. They can't conceive of an atheistic philosophy that affirms life, is joyous, and offers an optimistic perspective. Not only are such people very mistaken, but they are missing out on a great deal that some atheistic philosophies have to offer.
M.N. Roy: Radical Humanist: Selected Writings
When most people think of 'humanism' or 'secular humanism,' they probably think of western politics, philosophy, and culture. This is understandable, but it’s not entirely accurate. Humanism has also developed a rich tradition elsewhere in the world, especially in India. It’s unfortunate that more people in the West are unfamiliar with the course of humanism among Indian thinkers and writers.
When most people think of 'humanism' or 'secular humanism,' they probably think of western politics, philosophy, and culture. This is understandable, but it’s not entirely accurate. Humanism has also developed a rich tradition elsewhere in the world, especially in India. It’s unfortunate that more people in the West are unfamiliar with the course of humanism among Indian thinkers and writers.
In Search of Our Humanity: Neither Paradise Nor Hell
What does it mean to be human? That, if anything, would seem to be the central question of a properly formulated humanist philosophy. Not all books on humanism, though, have made an effort to answer that question - hardly a surprise, considering how difficult it is.
What does it mean to be human? That, if anything, would seem to be the central question of a properly formulated humanist philosophy. Not all books on humanism, though, have made an effort to answer that question - hardly a surprise, considering how difficult it is.
True Religion
Religion, particularly forms of religion that are fundamentalist or fervent in nature, have experienced explosive growth in recent decades. Many have found this to be strange, considering that great scientific, social, and political progress made made in secular circles. What could be going on? What are people looking for that they don't find in secularism?
Religion, particularly forms of religion that are fundamentalist or fervent in nature, have experienced explosive growth in recent decades. Many have found this to be strange, considering that great scientific, social, and political progress made made in secular circles. What could be going on? What are people looking for that they don't find in secularism?
Life, Sex, and Ideas: The Good Life Without God
Philosophy is a serious and often difficult topic, yet just as often it is made out to be more difficult than it actually is. The basic point of philosophy is, at least much of the time, to think reflexively and critically about those things which matter most in our lives. It's about fundamental questions without easy and pat answers. Studying philosophy shouldn't be a pursuit just for students...
Philosophy is a serious and often difficult topic, yet just as often it is made out to be more difficult than it actually is. The basic point of philosophy is, at least much of the time, to think reflexively and critically about those things which matter most in our lives. It's about fundamental questions without easy and pat answers. Studying philosophy shouldn't be a pursuit just for students...
Multiculturalism: Humanist Perspectives
For some, the term multiculturalism represents an organized attack on Western values and institutions, resulting in a form of extreme relativism and social anarchy. For others, however, multiculturalism is an outgrowth of some of the highest values in the West: tolerance, diversity, and humility.
For some, the term multiculturalism represents an organized attack on Western values and institutions, resulting in a form of extreme relativism and social anarchy. For others, however, multiculturalism is an outgrowth of some of the highest values in the West: tolerance, diversity, and humility.
Identity in Democracy
Identity politics is a boogeyman of the American political landscape. Both the left and the right can be found decrying identity politics as divisive, fractious, and ultimately detrimental to a healthy and vibrant democracy. But is this evaluation justified, or is it actually based upon misperception and prejudice?
Identity politics is a boogeyman of the American political landscape. Both the left and the right can be found decrying identity politics as divisive, fractious, and ultimately detrimental to a healthy and vibrant democracy. But is this evaluation justified, or is it actually based upon misperception and prejudice?
The Last, Best Hope: a Democracy Reader
Just what is the basis of democracy - what are the conditions necessary for it and what is the relationship between morality and democratic ideals? Issues like these are critical for the future of democracy in the 21st Century, but you won't often find people discussing them.
Just what is the basis of democracy - what are the conditions necessary for it and what is the relationship between morality and democratic ideals? Issues like these are critical for the future of democracy in the 21st Century, but you won't often find people discussing them.
Life, Sex, and Ideas: The Good Life Without God
Philosophy is a serious and often difficult topic, yet just as often it is made out to be more difficult than it actually is. The basic point of philosophy is, at least much of the time, to think reflexively and critically about those things which matter most in our lives. It's about fundamental questions without easy and pat answers. Studying philosophy shouldn't be a pursuit just for students...
Philosophy is a serious and often difficult topic, yet just as often it is made out to be more difficult than it actually is. The basic point of philosophy is, at least much of the time, to think reflexively and critically about those things which matter most in our lives. It's about fundamental questions without easy and pat answers. Studying philosophy shouldn't be a pursuit just for students...
Humanist Anthology: From Confucius to Attenborough
Some people seem to think that humanism is simply a recent development, but it does in fact have a long history. Philosophers, politicians, artists, historians, and many others have espoused important humanist values in the course of their work and writings.
Some people seem to think that humanism is simply a recent development, but it does in fact have a long history. Philosophers, politicians, artists, historians, and many others have espoused important humanist values in the course of their work and writings.
It's Been A Good Life
Who was Isaac Asimov, really? Where did he come from, what did he do and why did he do it? In short, what sort of life did he lead? According to Asimov himself, he lead a very good life - something he explains in some depth in a new one-volume autobiography.
Who was Isaac Asimov, really? Where did he come from, what did he do and why did he do it? In short, what sort of life did he lead? According to Asimov himself, he lead a very good life - something he explains in some depth in a new one-volume autobiography.
Freethinkers: A History of American Secularism
Secularism and freethought have played important roles in the development of American society, culture, and politics, yet they are roles which have been largely forgotten and ignored. Americans tend to hear about and be familiar with the role of religion in their nation's history while freethinkers and skeptics are unjustly marginalized.
Secularism and freethought have played important roles in the development of American society, culture, and politics, yet they are roles which have been largely forgotten and ignored. Americans tend to hear about and be familiar with the role of religion in their nation's history while freethinkers and skeptics are unjustly marginalized.
Ecohumanism
If humanism is principally concerned with the interests and values of humanity, does this mean that the environment and the interests of other species necessarily take a second-order status, if any status at all? Some have certainly reached that conclusion, and not without some justification.
If humanism is principally concerned with the interests and values of humanity, does this mean that the environment and the interests of other species necessarily take a second-order status, if any status at all? Some have certainly reached that conclusion, and not without some justification.
Enemies of the Enlightenment: The French Counter-Enlightenment
Who were the "Enemies of the Enlightenment," and why it matter what they said and thought? The answers to both are intriguing, at least as presented by Darrin M. McMahon in his new book. Of particular relevancy to many will be the ways in which people today have similar motivations and goals as the "enemies" described in McMahon's book. The case against the Enlightenment has not been finalized.
Who were the "Enemies of the Enlightenment," and why it matter what they said and thought? The answers to both are intriguing, at least as presented by Darrin M. McMahon in his new book. Of particular relevancy to many will be the ways in which people today have similar motivations and goals as the "enemies" described in McMahon's book. The case against the Enlightenment has not been finalized.
In Defense of Secular Humanism
Does secular humanism represent a fundamental and corrosive threat to the future of America? Will it undermine important values and morals, bringing about the destruction of religion and free government? According to some on the religious right, the answers to those questions is "yes."
Does secular humanism represent a fundamental and corrosive threat to the future of America? Will it undermine important values and morals, bringing about the destruction of religion and free government? According to some on the religious right, the answers to those questions is "yes."
Developing Democratic Character in the Young
To what extent does democracy depend upon the right sort of education of children - will any educational plan suffice, or are there specific needs? In fact, democracy depends a great deal upon education, and it is not true that just any sort of education will do. Democracy relies upon the existence of an informed, moral and interested public.
To what extent does democracy depend upon the right sort of education of children - will any educational plan suffice, or are there specific needs? In fact, democracy depends a great deal upon education, and it is not true that just any sort of education will do. Democracy relies upon the existence of an informed, moral and interested public.
The Black Humanist Experience: An Alternative to Religion
Humanists come from many different ethnic and cultural backgrounds; however, quite often it seems as though most humanists are whites of European descent. This perception is not without foundation, but it is unfortunate because there are so many humanists from other backgrounds who have quite a lot to contribute to the advancement of humanism.
Humanists come from many different ethnic and cultural backgrounds; however, quite often it seems as though most humanists are whites of European descent. This perception is not without foundation, but it is unfortunate because there are so many humanists from other backgrounds who have quite a lot to contribute to the advancement of humanism.
God's Funeral
Why had most intellectuals and writers in Europe abandoned traditional Christianity by the end of the nineteenth century? Was it a result of industrial and scientific progress? Was it Charles Darwin and his insightful writing on evolution? As A.N. Wilson writes, the sources of this skepticism and disbelief were many and varied.
Why had most intellectuals and writers in Europe abandoned traditional Christianity by the end of the nineteenth century? Was it a result of industrial and scientific progress? Was it Charles Darwin and his insightful writing on evolution? As A.N. Wilson writes, the sources of this skepticism and disbelief were many and varied.
The Happy Heretic
Why do people see images of the Virgin Mary in their food, like waffles? Why do people pray - and why don't they do other, equally effective things, like rubbing a small stuffed animal? Why has Mother Teresa been so popularity - and does that popularity have anything to do with the reality of the things she did?
Why do people see images of the Virgin Mary in their food, like waffles? Why do people pray - and why don't they do other, equally effective things, like rubbing a small stuffed animal? Why has Mother Teresa been so popularity - and does that popularity have anything to do with the reality of the things she did?
A Rebel to His Last Breath: Joseph McCabe and Rationalism
Just who was Joseph McCabe? Many freethinkers and atheists are familiar with the name, and quite a few have read at least a couple of his many works. But how many really know anything about him - where he came from, what his views were like, etc.? Unfortunately, the answer to that question is "not many," but this recent book by Bill Cooke should help remedy that situation.
Just who was Joseph McCabe? Many freethinkers and atheists are familiar with the name, and quite a few have read at least a couple of his many works. But how many really know anything about him - where he came from, what his views were like, etc.? Unfortunately, the answer to that question is "not many," but this recent book by Bill Cooke should help remedy that situation.
God's Law or Man's Law: The Fundamentalist Challenge to Secular Rule
The laws in most liberal, democratic nations are human laws - that is to say, they are self-consciously human creations for human needs in a human society. There was a time when laws were treated as having divine origins and there are people today who would like to change society into something once again regulated by God's laws - or, at least, their interpretation of God's laws.
The laws in most liberal, democratic nations are human laws - that is to say, they are self-consciously human creations for human needs in a human society. There was a time when laws were treated as having divine origins and there are people today who would like to change society into something once again regulated by God's laws - or, at least, their interpretation of God's laws.
Multiculturalism: Humanist Perspectives
For some, the term multiculturalism represents an organized attack on Western values and institutions, resulting in a form of extreme relativism and social anarchy. For others, however, multiculturalism is an outgrowth of some of the highest values in the West: tolerance, diversity, and humility. Which of these radically divergent views is more accurate, and what does humanism have to offer?
For some, the term multiculturalism represents an organized attack on Western values and institutions, resulting in a form of extreme relativism and social anarchy. For others, however, multiculturalism is an outgrowth of some of the highest values in the West: tolerance, diversity, and humility. Which of these radically divergent views is more accurate, and what does humanism have to offer?
Meditations for the Humanist: Ethics for a Secular Age
According to Socrates, an unexamined life is not worth living - but why is that so, and do you agree? Do you reflect upon your life? Is your life worth living? Moreover, if an examined life is so important, just what is necessary to achieve it?
According to Socrates, an unexamined life is not worth living - but why is that so, and do you agree? Do you reflect upon your life? Is your life worth living? Moreover, if an examined life is so important, just what is necessary to achieve it?
Forbidden Fruit: The Ethics of Humanism
Is it possible to live a life of happiness and moral responsibility without religion or even without belief in a god? Conventional wisdom and long-standing traditional attitudes hold that both religion and theism are necessary for happiness and morality - but through history a few have argued the contrary. Do they argue convincingly, though?
Is it possible to live a life of happiness and moral responsibility without religion or even without belief in a god? Conventional wisdom and long-standing traditional attitudes hold that both religion and theism are necessary for happiness and morality - but through history a few have argued the contrary. Do they argue convincingly, though?