An introduction to Humanism.

Jeaneane Fowler was formerly Head of Philosophy and Religious Studies at the University of Wales, Newport, and later an Honorary Research Fellow. Her publications include Hinduism: Beliefs and Practices (Choice Outstanding Title, 1997); with books in the same series on Humanism, Chinese Religions, Tai Chi, Nichiren Daishonin: Buddhism in Wales, and books on the Philosophy of Hinduism and the Philosophy of Taoism; and a text and commentary on the Bhagavad Gita.

Contents: Introduction; What is Humanism?; The complexities of the term "Humanism"; A working definition; The history of the humanist tradition; The Renaissance; The Enlightenment; Humanism today; The modern Humanist movement; Freethinkers; Ethical societies; The British and American Humanist associations; Literature; Humanist organisations; Is Humanism a religion?; The Human Being; The Christian view of the human being; The value of life; Death; The existential life-condition; Humanity; Human potential; The nature of the self; Spirituality; Individuality; The Case against Religion: The Rejection of God; Atheism; Agnosticism; Pascal's Wager; Theism and deism; The Bible; God; Theodicy; Free will; Can it be proved that God exists?; Cosmological arguments for the existence of God; The arguments to design; The ontological argument; Rejection of an afterlife; The Case against Religion: The Rejection of Faith; What is religion?; Why do humans need religion?; Adverse effects of religion; Belief; Faith; The Christian faith; The problematic gospels; The Jesus legend; Paul of Tarsus; The charismatic phenomenon; Society; Modern society; Freedom; Equality; Is the concept of equality rational?; Equality of the sexes; Education; The Humanist society; The "Good Life": the Humanist vision; for all individuals; Morality; Ethics; The nature of morality; Good; Values; Morality as an evolutionary process; Religious morality; A universal ethic?; Humanist ethics; Moral autonomy; Rationalism and Reason; Intelligent living; Rationalism and reason; Rationalism; Reason; Reason versus faith; Science; Pseudo-science and the paranormal; Some Life and Death Issues; Genetics; Birth; Death; Abortion; Euthanasia; The Humanist response; Rites and Ceremonies; Birth; Initiation; Marriage; Death; Notes; Bibliography; Index.