The Wiley Blackwell Handbook of Humanism (eBook)

Andrew Copson is Chief Executive of the British Humanist Association, Vice President of the International Humanist and Ethical Union, and a former director of the European Humanist Federation. A. C. Grayling is Professor of Philosophy and Master of the New College of the Humanities, London, and a Supernumerary Fellow of St Anne's College Oxford.

Notes on Contributors vii

Foreword xi

1 What Is Humanism? 1
Andrew Copson

Part I Essentials of Humanism 35

2 Naturalism 37
Brendan Larvor

3 Science, Reason, and Scepticism 55
Stephen Law

4 Death as Annihilation 72
Peter Cave

5 The Good and Worthwhile Life 87
A. C. Grayling

Part II Diverse Manifestations 95

6 The Materialists of Classical India 97
Jeaneane Fowler

7 Humanism in the Classical World 119
Charles Freeman

8 Ancient China 133
Merv Fowler

9 Humanistic Thought in the Islamic World of the Middle Ages 153
Abdelilah Ljamai

Part III Implications 171

10 Counselling and the Humanist Worldview 173
Carmen Schuhmann

11 Making a Home in This World: Humanism and Architecture 194
Ken Worpole

12 Humanist Ceremonies: The Case of Non-Religious Funerals in England 216
Matthew Engelke

13 Humanism and Education 234
John White

14 Humanism and the Political Order 255
Alan Haworth

15 Humanism in Recent English Fiction 280
Peter Faulkner

Part IV Debates 303

16 Feminism and Humanism 305
Pauline Johnson

17 Life Without Meaning? 325
Richard Norman

18 Spirituality 347
Jeaneane Fowler

19 Is Humanism Too Optimistic? An Analysis of Religion as Religion 374
Paul Cliteur

20 Humanism, Moral Relativism, and Ethical Objectivity 403
John R. Shook

21 The Future of Humanism 426
Peter Derkx

Index 440

"This volume brings together key figures in the study of humanism, and it offers tremendous insights and important perspective. It is must reading for anyone interested in understanding and contextualizing the significance and impact of humanist thought and praxis. I highly recommend it."--Professor Anthony Pinn, Agnes Cullen Arnold Professor of Humanities, Rice University, Director of Research at the Institute for Humanist Studies, and editor of 'Humanism: what is it and why does it matter?' and 'Everyday Humanism'

"As the president of a humanist association I welcome this volume, and as a working academic I'm excited to see the fertile territory of humanism marked out for greater study as a philosophy in its own right."--Professor Jim Al-Khalili, President of the British Humanist Association

"The Wiley Blackwell Handbook of Humanism is the new authoritative guide to the subject. A rapidly-growing worldwide alternative to religion, Humanism has emerged as the critical moral movement of our times. In this volume, for expert and novice alike, the latest thinking and research on the subject are opened up from historical, philosophical and moral standpoints. Chapters are organised around major themes, ranging from essential philosophical positions within Humanism, through Humanism's cultural origins and manifestations, and onto the implications of Humanism as an applied moral position in civil life, architecture, funerals and literature. The book finishes with six chapters on the role of humanism in key contested debates of our times - ranging from feminism to spirituality. With specialist contributors providing detailed accounts in their fields, each chapter is written with a verve and insight that bowls the reader along. This is the essential book to make Humanism accessible to the modern reader."--Professor Callum Brown FRSE, Professor of Late Modern European History and Convenor of the Humanist Studies Hub, University of Glasgow

"Humanism is so often overlooked, but I believe it is both the most rational and positive philosophy for life. And it's not a new thing - the history of humanist thought is deep and inspiring. This volume makes it more accessible both to scholars and the general reader."--Professor Alice Roberts, University of Birmingham

"This is an inspiring book that covers all the important issues of 21st century Humanism. The book couples the academic insights of important scholars to their deep commitment to the Humanist cause. I recommend this book to all interested in learning about Humanism in an accessible, academic style and for use on my university as a thorough and fast introduction to current Humanism."--Prof. Dr Gerty Lensvelt-Mulders, Vice-chancellor of the Humanist University of the Netherlands, Utrecht