The Humanist Alternative: Some Definitions of HumanismThe contributors to this volume were asked the following questions: The term "Humanism" is widely used, as are the terms "ethical" Humanism, "scientific" Humanism and "religious" Humanism. What is Humanism? Can you define it?If there is in your judgment no clear definition in the literature, you may wish to propose one. You may also wish to focus on the relationship of Humanism to atheism, science, its ethical position, or some other theme.Those who have contributed represent a wide spectrum of Humanist opinion in the world today. They are primarily philosophers, psychologists, social scientists, ethical and religious leaders. Among the themes they discuss are historic roots of Humanism, the general problem of definition, the relationship of Humanism to ethics and morality, Humanism and religion, Humanism and atheism and Humanism on the world scene. Most of the varieties of Humanism are represented, including naturalistic Humanism, liberal Humanism, atheistic Humanism, humanistic psychology, behaviourism, Marxism, and Zen.If there is a common thread running throughout this volume, it is the conviction that Humanism is committed to the method of reason as the chief means of solving problems and the belief that mankind can survive and humans can enjoy a significant life. This conviction and this belief, however, can be realized only if men continue to have confidence in their own natural powers and abilities and the courage to use them. |
Contents
Humanisms Many DimensionsEdwin H Wilson | 15 |
The Humanist and Ethical MovementDavid Tribe | 20 |
GENERAL PROBLEMS OF DEFINITION | 29 |
Copyright | |
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achieve acorn alienation American American Ethical Union American Humanist Association anti-Humanist atheists basic become behaviour believe boar British Humanist Association Buddhism called Christian Christian Humanism Church commitment concept concern Corliss Lamont creative critical culture definition of Humanism dehumanizing democracy democratic dignity doctrine dogma emphasize environment equality ethical Humanists Ethical Union existence experience expression fact faith feel free thinkers free thought freedom H. J. BLACKHAM Humanist Association Humanist imagination Humanist Manifesto Humanist temper idea ideological individual intelligence John Dewey liberal live man's mankind Marx Marx's Marxist Marxist Humanism means modern movement naturalistic Humanism neo-orthodoxy non-Humanists organization PAUL KURTZ person philosophy political position possible potential principle problems psychology question radical rational reality reason recognize religion Religious Humanism revolution scientific scientists secular sense sexual social society species survival term Humanism things tion traditional truth universe word