Embracing the Power of Humanism [Hardcover]

Paul Kurtz (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0847699668 | ISBN-13: 978-0847699667 | Publication Date: May 10, 2000

Is life meaningful without religion? Can one be moral and not believe in God? While many Americans believe that God is necessary to secure moral order, Paul Kurtz argues that it is quite possible for rationalists and freethinkers to lead exemplary lives. Embracing the Power of Humanism is a collection of essays organized into five parts: "The Exuberant Life," "Independence," "Altruism," "Humanism," and "Ethical Truth" throughout which Kurtz provides nonbelievers with ethical guidelines and encourages all individuals to take personal responsibility for moral excellence.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Paul Kurtz has made two wonderful contributions to society. The first is a rare commodity indeed: saying t like it is. The second is equally rare: the get it heard. His effective promotion of rational inquiry has helped us both unleash and control the most powerful force on earth-our human minds. (Paul B. MacCready )

Paul Kurtz has been a leader in both exemplifying and encouraging the rationality without which our current difficulties might one day come to seem the good old days. I personally have benefited by his encouragement, and I'm sure there are thousands who can say the same. (Steve Allen )

Paul Kurtz has been a beacon for rational thought in a sea of fuzzy and sometimes coercive supernaturalism. His organizational talents and initiatives have lent direction and efficacy to the desires of those of us who have been distressed by the dominance of antisecularist forces in our society. (Grünbaum, Adolf )

Paul Kurtz is the most significant single humanist living today. This book is ideal for the beginner to humanism or for the person without the leisure to read all his other books. There are enough chapters taken from obscure or difficult-to-find material to make the book worthwhile even for veterans of his other books. The selections are well chosen for their emphasis on the actual real-life issues of what being a humanist means. (The New Zeland Rationalist & Humanist )

I know of no one who better explains the power of humanism than Paul Kurtz. The book is highly recommended to all who are willing to contemplate a non-theistic way of life. (Vern L. Bullough )

About the Author

Paul Kurtz is professor of philosophy, emeritus, at SUNY, Buffalo. Known as the "Father of Secular Humanism," Dr. Kurtz is editor-in-chief of the magazine Free Inquiry and a member of the editorial board of the Skeptical Inquirer.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers (May 10, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0847699668
• ISBN-13: 978-0847699667
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,882,451 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Paul Kurtz, professor emeritus of philosophy at the State University of New York at Buffalo and a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, is the author or editor of more than fifty books, including The Transcendental Temptation, The Courage to Become, Embracing the Power of Humanism, plus nine hundred articles and reviews. He is the founder of the Center for Inquiry/Transnational, the Council for Secular Humanism, and the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry. He has appeared on many major TV and radio talk shows, and has lectured at universities worldwide.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An Intellectual "How-To" Manual for Living Without Religion, October 24, 2000

By 

A Customer - See all my reviews

This review is from: Embracing the Power of Humanism (Hardcover)

An outstanding book that advocates living a meaningful life ... WITHOUT religion. Professor Kurtz defends both individual autonomy and creative fulfillment (libertarian values) *and* altruism and empathy. EMBRACING THE POWER OF HUMANISM is both the best available book on normative humanist ethics and a powerful defense of naturalistic ethics.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Shows that non-religious folks have Compassion and brains, October 31, 2000

By 

MotherLodeBeth "MotherLodeBeth" (Sierras of California) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Embracing the Power of Humanism (Hardcover)

While I may not always agree with everything or much of what Paul Kurtz may say , I do believe Embracing the Power of Humanism is a valuable tool in showing those who profess to have "spiritual/religious beliefs" that those who do Not, i.e. Mr Kurtz, can be equally as humane and thoughtful. Compassionate and wise. That it is the actions that speak louder than words.

It saddens me that those I know, who are non-religious, atheists, agnostics etc are so often thought of or looked upon as being "lesser than".

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring., February 11, 2003

By 

Mark I. Vuletic (Phoenix, AZ) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Embracing the Power of Humanism (Hardcover)

As much as I tend to disagree with Paul Kurtz on more abstract philosophical issues, I found myself unable to tear away from EMBRACING THE POWER OF HUMANISM, which compiles some of the most inspiring parts of his other books. Kurtz successfully conveys the sheer wonder, power, and exuberance of the humanistic outlook. Although I do not feel I learned anything especially new, I came away feeling unusually energized - a feeling which still persists, long after the book is back on the shelf.