Humanist Manifesto 2000 [Paperback]

Paul Kurtz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 2000 | ISBN-10: 157392783X | ISBN-13: 978-1573927833

This entirely new "Humanist Manifesto" is designed to address the problems of the twenty-first century and the millennium beyond. Providing a strong defence of scientific naturalism and technology, it is offered as a contribution to the dialogue among the different cultural, political, and economic viewpoints in the world. "Humanist Manifesto 2000" is formulated in the conviction that science, reason, democracy, education, and humanist values can enhance human progress. Drawing on the achievements of modernity - the success of scientific medicine, the overall improvement of public health, the Green Revolution, the conveniences of a consumer society, global communication and transportation, increased understanding of the natural world, and many others - the planetary humanism that this manifesto presents seeks to transcend the negativity of postmodernism and looks forward to the information age now upon us. "Humanist Manifesto 2000" promotes a humanistic ethics based on reason and a planetary bill of rights and responsibilities. It proposes a new global agenda, stresses the need for international institutions (including a new world parliament and regulation of global conglomerates), and concludes on a note of optimism about the human prospect. Endorsed by a distinguished list of humanist intellectuals including Arthur C. Clarke, Alan Cranston, Richard Dawkins, Richard Leakey, Jill Tarter, E.O.Wilson, and eleven Nobel Laureates, "Humanist Manifesto 2000" recommends long-range attainable goals and generates confidence in the ability of the human species to solve its problems by rational means and a positive outlook. This manifesto was drafted by Paul Kurtz in consultation with a twelve-person internal committee.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Paul Kurtz (Amherst, NY), professor emeritus of philosophy at the State University of New York at Buffalo, is the founder of the International Academy of Humanism and a leading spokesperson for Secular Humanism today.

Product Details

• Paperback: 76 pages
• Publisher: Prometheus Books (May 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 157392783X
• ISBN-13: 978-1573927833
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.7 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #876,242 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

38 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Some reviewers are criticizing, February 16, 2003

By 

Richard Deem (unfortunately, Bloomington, IL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Humanist Manifesto 2000 (Paperback)

I am confused by some of the reviews. Many seem to think that their not agreeing with a philosophy is grounds to say that you should not read this book. I find that rather upsetting. I would not say that the Bible is a bad book just because I don't believe in god. Unfortunatly, now that I have said this, the same type of people who wrote the reviews I speak of will give me bad ratings because they do not agree with what I say, not based on the content of my review.
The bottom line is, if you are interested in learning more about Humanism, whether to defend or attack it, this is the book for you, it gives a good summary of the Humanist view of things, in a short and to the point pamphlet. But when you are reading, please remember, just because you do not agree with me is no reason to insult my character, and it is same with this book.

19 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Thought Provoking Proposal, November 24, 2001

By 

Bradley P. Rich (Salt Lake City, UT USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Humanist Manifesto 2000 (Paperback)

This is a small but thought provoking book that deserves wider attention than it will undoubtedly get.

Humanist Manifesto is a summary of a humanist based ethical system that could be used to guide our actions in putting our species into a more peaceful and just course of action. Kurtz' organizes the principle clearly and they are compelling. Little argument is marshalled, wisely leaving the reader to figure out how it could be implemented, both in his own life and that of society as a whole. Yes, it is idealistic and envisions worldwide institutions to support improvements, but the vision is so clear and simple that the reader can actually believe that much maligned scientific naturalism could be the basis for a compelling ethical system.

Excellent for humanists who may need to be reminded that their chosen life view is a powerful tool for changing the world for the better, as well as for those who do not share that world view and need an introduction to a positive ethical framework.

Highly recommended!

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Verification, December 11, 2000

By 

"mosh101" (Harrisonburg, va United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Humanist Manifesto 2000 (Paperback)

This book is a great base for those who do not wish to receive the torment of organized religion forcing individuals to accept their faith or become a bane to society. Within it are numerous example of how to lead a non-religous life while still embrace morality and tolerance. I reccomend this book to anyone who wishes to find an outlet to repressed opinions and didnt know how to properly express them or would like to know more about being a humanist.