Synopses & Reviews
There is currently much confusion about the nature of humanism and a good deal of interest in its point of view. As the object of attack and suspicion by fundamentalists, conservatives, and traditional religionists, Howard B. Radest believes that humanism deserves a clear and responsible treatment. He accomplishes this in this book by clarifying the nature of humanism in historical and current thought. The Enlightenment, Radest states, gave birth to a number of humanist values that are still being worked out in today's societies. He reconstructs how humanist values have been considered dangerous by those who fear a change in the status quo. Humanism, Radest maintains, is the true descendant of the age of reason and freedom.
In this unique volume, humanism is viewed as being misunderstood by both traditionalists and the humanists themselves. Radest does not wish to disparage traditional beliefs, but he emphasizes that humanism is a legitimate philosophical, ideological, and religious alternative--a party to the current struggle for a postmodern life philosophy. The Devil and Secular Humanism examines humanism in a more comprehensive way than most current literature, and it includes an assessment of the prospects for humanism in the years ahead. It will be of great use to a literate, but nontechnical, audience who are engaged in philosophy, religion, law, and politics.
Synopsis
This volume clarifies the nature of humanism by exploring historical and current thought. The development of humanist ideas is viewed as an important part of the development of the philosophy of democracy and science. Often the object of attack and suspicion by fundamentalists, conservatives, and traditional religionists, humanism here receives clear and responsible treatment. Humanism is approached as a legitimate philosophic, ideological, and religious alternative, a party to the current struggle for a postmodern life philosophy. This text examines humanism in a more comprehensive way than most current literature.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. [163]-166) and index.
About the Author
HOWARD B. RADEST is Director of the Ethical Culture Fieldston Schools in New York City.
Table of Contents
Preface
First Person Singular: From Philosophy to Biography
The Devil and Secular Humanism: The Fundamentalist Temptation
Religions of Humanity: Rationalism, Free Thought, and Ethical Culture
Humanism Against Itself: The Religious Debate
Illusions of Spirituality: The Sentimental Temptation
Doing Good: The Liberal Temptation
The Humanist at Home: Naturalism Revisited
A Humanist's Companions: Democracy Reconstructed
Humanist's Journey: Without Endings
Selected Bibliography
Index