Product Description

Why should we believe in God without any evidence? How can there be meaning in life when death is final? With historical adherents including such thinkers as Einstein, Freud, Philip Pullman, and Frank Zappa, "Humanism"'s central quest is to make sense of such questions, explaining the ethical and metaphysical by appealing to shared human values, rationality, and tolerance. Essential reading for atheists, agnostics, ignostics, freethinkers, rationalists, skeptics, and believers too, this Beginner's Guide will explain all aspects of the Humanist philosophy whilst providing an alternative and valuable conception of life without religion.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #10013 in Books
• Published on: 2009-03-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 208 pages

Review
"An admirable guide for all those non-religious (surely the true silent majority ?) who may wake up to the fact that they are humanists ... What we have in common is, indeed, not faith but our humanity." --Sir Bernard Crick - Emeritus Professor of Birkbeck College, University of London, and author of Democracy: A Very Short Introduction

"Peter Cave brings to a serious subject his characteristic wit and humour, as well as wide knowledge and sharp insight. This is a very readable introduction to humanism and a deeply human one." --Richard Norman - Emeritus Professor of Moral Philosophy, University of Kent

About the Author
Writer and broadcaster Peter Cave teaches philosophy for The Open University and City University London. Author of the bestselling 'Can A Robot Be Human?', he chairs the Humanist Philosophers' Group, frequently contributes to philosophy journals and magazines, from the academic to the popular, and has presented several philosophy programmes for the BBC. He lives in London.

Customer Reviews

An excellent introduction to Humanism
Peter Cave has written another excellent book. He explores the theme of humanism sensitively, pointing out common misconceptions about humanism that often lead to ill founded criticisms, while at the same time answering the more genuine concerns people have about the subject, and explaining the difficulties humanists have concerning religion. In tackling topics, ranging from, religion, morality, politics, living and dying and the meaning of life, he argues we should take responsibility for our own actions and lives, and treat others as responsible agents based on our intuitive understanding of humanity and its values, rather than defer to religion. Further to do so is not necessarily selfish, neither will it lead to chaos and hedonism, but rather a celebration of best qualities of a very unique species.

Thoughtful, Human and Humourous
A great and very readable introduction to what it means to be a Humanist from Peter Cave, who is getting a reputation for explaining some of life's complex thoughts in a down-to-earth, intelligent and often witty way. If you're a human, buy this.

A Human Humanist!
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> As I guess one might reasonably have anticpated from his books on Philosophical Paradoxes, Peter Cave manages to make this subject hugely accessible.
> Its so easy for books on anything pertaining to religion to be dull and dry, but this is far from it. Its humorous and light to the touch whilst at the same time achieving a most competent and thoughtful analysis.