Humanist Alternative

by Paul Kurtz (Editor)

The contributors to this volume were asked the following 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.

Genres: Philosophy

Paperback

First published May 1, 1973

About the author

Dr. Paul W. Kurtz was a prominent American skeptic and secular humanist. Before his retirement, he was Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at the State University of New York at Buffalo, having previously also taught at Vassar, Trinity, and Union colleges, and the New School for Social Research.

Reviews

[Steven H · Rating 5 out of 5]

A SERIES OF ESSAYS BY VARIOUS CONTRIBUTORS DEFINING "HUMANISM"

Paul Kurtz (1925-2012) was a prominent American skeptic and secular humanist, who was Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at the State University of New York at Buffalo. He has written many other books such as 'In Defense of Secular Humanism,' 'Exuberance - Your Guide to Happiness & Fulfillment,' 'Eupraxophy: Living Without Religion,' etc.

He wrote in the Preface to this 1973 collection, "does [Humanism] have a positive message? Can it contribute to man's moral good and ethical uplift? Can it provide meaning and direction for the good life?... This symposium was initiated with these problems in mind... Those who contributed to this volume 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... 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." (Pg. 6-7) Contributors include Edwin H. Wilson; Sidney Hook; H.J. Eysenck; B.F. Skinner; Antony Flew; Corliss Lamont; and Paul Kurtz himself.

One writer suggests, "Religious Humanism primarily means a dedication to Humanist values and a nurturing of faith in them. It may also include an interest in worthy celebration of life's crises and triumphs." (Pg. 41) Another says, "[Humanism] is a philosophical system based on the concept that the universe, life and consequently mankind are the result of natural evolutionary processes alone, and hence that our view of them must be monistic... Humanism, in my viewpoint, must be atheistic or it is not Humanism as I understand it." (Pg. 81-82)

Another essayist admits, "even if all Humanists turned out to be atheists... Some atheists reject the Humanistic values of democracy, freedom and scientific method which, to Humanists, are of immeasurably greater significance than disbelief in the existence of a Supreme Being." (Pg. 84) Kurtz observes in the closing essay, "Humanism cannot in any fair sense of the word apply to one who still believes in God as the source and creator of the universe. Christian Humanism would be possible only for those who are willing to admit that they are atheistic Humanists. It surely does not apply to God-intoxicated believers." (Pg. 177)

Somewhat "dated," this collection is nevertheless an interesting collection of essays defining Humanism (circa 1973, to be sure), and may still be of interest to modern Humanists (particularly of the secular variety).

[Michael Vincent · Rating 3 out of 5]

An important book to understand the thinking of so many in our culture today. One sees that most anything is tolerated, except for God. A variety of authors of short chapters stab to define Humanism without, of course, putting anyone in a box. Many argue for morality, but have no real way to define what that should look like. At one point Kurtz (the editor) writes (p.181), "For decades Humanists have defended sexual liberation and the development of a tolerant attitude towards sexuality. Yet an uncritical interpretation of the new sexual revolution can lead to a bestialization and dehumanizing of sex, the economic exploitation of humans as sexual objects rather than as subjects, and extreme expression of pornographic pandering." You think?! If you remove the Eternal Standard, in the end, anything goes. Really, there are some good laughs in this book. Paul Kurtz writes , "If man is a product of evolution, one species among other, in a universe without purpose (at least he is honest), then man's option is to live for himself and to discover new areas of significance and achievement. If it is anything, Humanism is an effort at infusing life with meaning and hope." How funny! They are trying to find meaning and hope when they have already confessed there is no purpose because we have just evolved. So much for rational thinking! Purpose and meaning are found in a relationship with the eternal God through Jesus Christ. He has a purpose and plan for us if we will put our trust in His death on the cross, and submit our lives to His will as revealed in the Scriptures. Sadly, many will choose the Humanistic way of trusting Man's wisdom. Kurtz pens (p. 184), "The basic worship of the Humanist is the worship of the free mind; and his highest duty is to the truth as he sees it (but, then, "what is truth?") and to the destruction of cant, fraud, deception, illusion or dogma." How can we have a duty to the truth if we destroy fraud and deception. This philosophy has led to many of the politicians we have running for president today. As for me, I choose not to worship man, but God, who is my Creator and Redeemer.

[Mark Gowan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kurtz does an excellent job of collecting accessible essays concerning Humanism in most of its forms. The essays are sometimes dated, but still offer some insight into some history of humanist movements, including psychological and scientific. Some of the essays seem pedantic (B.F Skinner's in particular) and others are overly simplified. Many of the authors are going to be unknown to the general reader. However, I would recommend this collection to anyone wanting a quick introduction to an otherwise overused and misunderstood term.