Humanism: A Very Short Introduction

ISBN-13: 9780199553648 / Angielski / Miękka / 2011 / 168 str.

Stephen Law

Opis

People of faith often argue that without God, there can be no morality. Indeed, without religion, our lives are left without meaning and are likely to degenerate into moral chaos. In this Very Short Introduction, philosopher Stephen Law explains why these claims are false and why humanism--though a rejection of religion--nevertheless provides both a moral basis and a meaning for our lives. Indeed, Law shows that humanism is a quite positive alternative to religion. The humanist is not simply one who denies the truth of religious belief, but one who believes we can enjoy meaningful, purposeful, and good lives without religion. And far from embracing moral nihilism, humanists are often deeply committed people, to be found at the forefront of many important ethical campaigns. Law goes on to show how the term "humanism" is used in a variety of ways. Marx described himself as a "humanist" but the Pope has also expressed support for what he calls "humanism." Law argues for humanism as it is most commonly understood--as a positive, moral form of atheism.

Spis treści

From the contents:

Introduction;
1: The history of humanism;
2: Arguments for the existence of God;
3: An argument against the existence of God;
4: Humanism and morality;
5: Humanism and secularism;
6: Humanism and moral and religious education;
7: The meaning of life;
8: Humanist ceremonies

O autorze

Stephen Law is a Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at Heythrop College, University of London. He has written many books including several popular philosophy titles including The Philosophy Gym (Headline, 2003), Companion Guide to Philosophy (Dorling Kindersley, 2007), and Greatest Philosophers (Quercus, 2008). He is also the Editor of THINK, the journal of the Royal Institute of Philosophy.