Background
Kurtz, Paul was born on December 21, 1925 in Newark. Son of Martin and Sara (Lasser) Kurtz.
( The contemporary world is witness to an intense controv...)
The contemporary world is witness to an intense controversy about secularism. This controversy has intensified due to the presence of fundamentalism, which challenges secular society and the secularization of philosophical ideas and ethical values. Secularists maintain that the state should not impose a religious creed upon citizens and should respect freedom of conscience, the right to believe or disbelieve in the prevailing orthodoxy. This right is guaranteed by the First Amendment to the US Constitution and the Rights of Man enunciated in the French Revolution. Yet many powerful religious institutions do not accept this principle. Paul Kurtz argues that secularism needs to be allied to the emergence of democratic institutions that respect individual freedom and the pluralistic society. He argues that a defense of secularism entails a defense of the civic virtues of democracy, which include the toleration of dissent and alternative lifestyles and the willingness to negotiate differences. Consequently, secularism will take different forms in different societies; the term multi-secularism best describes that. Many people believe that it is impossible to maintain a moral order without the support of religion. Kurtz vigorously denies that, and this volume attempts to explicate the values and principles of secular morality, which he sees as the cornerstone of the open democratic society. Kurtz was involved in the campaign for secularism throughout his career as a philosopher. This book reflects his participation in this battle and extends his thinking to new areas.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1412852773/?tag=2022091-20
(In this optimistic, life-affirming book, philosopher Paul...)
In this optimistic, life-affirming book, philosopher Paul Kurtz succinctly outlines the main characteristics of the humanist perspective. Centered on human concerns and employing rational and scientific methods to determine objective truth, humanism is dedicated to the development of individual human potentials and the improvement of the planetary community. Emphasizing that the good life is achievable by everyone, Kurtz has coined the term eupraxsophy, based on Greek roots and meaning "good conduct and wisdom in living." By using the most reliable scientific knowledge and critical reason, he shows how wisdom can be applied to conduct while leading a life of commitment and passion. Regarding the perennial search for happiness, Kurtz affirms that secularism also holds far more promise than either religion or political ideologies. Through creative action in the pursuit of goals focused on the enhancement of human welfare the individual has the best chance of realizing a rewarding and meaningful life. The author goes on to show how this realistic and fulfilling life stance is expressed in various human endeavors ranging from ethics to environmental protection, forming lasting human relationships, eroticism, sexuality, being a good parent, finding meaning in life, striving for a beloved cause, facing death with courage, and the goal of creating a stable, thriving, democratic world community.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1591023890/?tag=2022091-20
( As we begin the third millennium there is cause for cau...)
As we begin the third millennium there is cause for cautious optimism regarding the human prospect. Democratic revolutions and the doctrine of universal human rights have captured the imagination of large sectors of humanity, while major advances in science and technology continue to conquer disease and extend life, contributing to rising standards of living, affluence, and cultural freedom on a worldwide basis. Paradoxically, at the same time ancient authoritarian fundamentalist religions have grown in vitriolic intensity along with bizarre New Age, media-driven paranormal belief systems. Also surprising is the resurgence of primitive tribal and ethnic loyalties, unleashing wars of intolerance and bitterness. In Skepticism and Humanism, Paul Kurtz locates these threatening developments within a long-standing and largely unchallenged theological worldview. He proposes, as an alternative to religion, a new cultural paradigm rooted in scientific naturalism, rationalism, and a humanistic outlook. An estimated 60 percent of scientists are atheists or agnostics. However, the skeptical world view has been given little currency even in advanced societies, because of a cultural prohibition against the criticism of religion. At the same time, science has become increasingly narrow and specialized so that few people can draw on its broader intellectual and cultural implications. Skepticism and Humanism attempts to meet this need. It defends skepticism as a method for developing reliable knowledge by using scientific inquiry and reason to test all claims to truth. It also defends scientific naturalism-an evolutionary view of nature, life, and the human species. Kurtz sees the dominant religious doctrines as drawn from an agricultural/nomadic past, and emphasizes the need for a new outlook applicable to the postindustrial information age. At the same time, he rejects postmodernism for abandoning science and embracing a form of nihilism. There can be no doubt that as a new global civilization emerges, scientific naturalism, rationalism, and secular humanism have something significant to say about the meaning of life. Skepticism and Humanism shows how they can to foster democratic values and social prosperity. The book will be important for philosophers, scientists, and all those concerned with contemporary issues.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0765800519/?tag=2022091-20
( Does life have meaning if one rejects belief in God? Th...)
Does life have meaning if one rejects belief in God? This book responds affirmatively to that question. Paul Kurtz, America's leading secular humanist, provides a powerful defense of the humanist alternative, rejecting both religious spirituality and nihilism. In this inspirational book, Kurtz outlines the basic virtues of the secular humanist outlook. These virtues include courage, not simply to be or to survive, but to overcome and become; that is, to fulfill our highest aspirations and ideals in the face of obstacles. The two other virtues Kurtz identifies are cognition (reason and science in establishing truth) and moral caring (compassion and benevolence in our relationships with others.) Kurtz offers an optimistic appraisal of the human prospect and outlines a philosophy both for the individual and the global community.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0275960161/?tag=2022091-20
(Are the fundamentalists shaking the foundations of the Am...)
Are the fundamentalists shaking the foundations of the American republic? - When they condemn humanism's influence in the schools, are they not actually attacking modern education, science, culture, and philosophy? - Is it possible to be moral without benefit of clergy or creed? - Can humanism help open doors so that individuals, singly and in cooperation with others, can create lives that are rich in enjoyment, eloquent and meaningful? What is humanism, and why have humanists come under attack by religious conservatives and the fundamentalist right? "Humanism is not a dogma or a creed," writes Paul Kurtz. "Humanists have confidence in human beings, and they believe that the only bases for morality are human experience and human needs. Humanists are opposed to all forms of supernaturalistic and authoritarian religion. Many humanists believe that scientific intelligence and critical reason can assist in reconstructing our moral lives . . . Humanists believe in freedom and pluralistic democracy as virtually our first principle, and we are disturbed by any authoritarian effort to impose one point of view on America. Defense of the open, democratic society should be the first point humanists make in response to the Moral Majority, making it clear that in our reading of the American tradition, pluralism is essential." In Defense of Secular Humanism is a volume of collected essays by one of the leading exponents of secular humanism. It is a closely reasoned defense of one of the most venerable ethical, scientific and philosophical traditions within Western civilization.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0879752211/?tag=2022091-20
(Is life meaningful without religion? Can one be moral and...)
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.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0847699668/?tag=2022091-20
(Kurtz argues that there are objective standards for judgi...)
Kurtz argues that there are objective standards for judging truth claims in science, ethics, and philosophy. Of special interest is the application of the new skepticism to paranormal claims such as reincarnation and faith healing, and to religious beliefs, ethics and politics.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0879757663/?tag=2022091-20
( Paul Kurtz has been the dominant voice of secular human...)
Paul Kurtz has been the dominant voice of secular humanism over the past thirty years. This compilation of his work reveals the scope of his thinking on the basic topics of our time and his many and varied contributions to the cause of free thought. It focuses on the central issues that have concerned Kurtz throughout his career: ethics, politics, education, religion, science, and pseudoscience. The chapters are linked by a common theme: the need for a new enlightenment, one committed to the use of rationality and skepticism, but also devoted to realizing the highest values of humanist culture. Many writings included here were first published in magazines and journals long unavailable. Some of the essays have never before been published. They now appear as a coherent whole for the first time. Also included is an extensive bibliography of Kurtz's writings. Toward a New Enlightenment is essential for those who know and admire Paul Kurtz's work. It will also be an important resource for students of philosophy, political science, ethics, and religion. Among the chapters are: "Humanist Ethics: Eating the Forbidden Fruit"; "Relevance of Science to Ethics"; "Democracy without Theology"; "Misuses of Civil Disobedience"; "The Limits of Tolerance"; "Skepticism about the Paranormal: Legitimate and Illegitimate"; "Militant Atheism vs. Freedom of Conscience"; "Promethean Love: Unbound"; "The Case for Euthanasia"; and "The New Inquisition in the Schools."
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1560001186/?tag=2022091-20
(Very cool vintage paperback is clean, complete, nice read...)
Very cool vintage paperback is clean, complete, nice reading copy that clearly is not new. No markings, nothing missing, clean, fresh, solid binding. Has a crease or two and a remainder mark on top We appreciate your business and welcome any questions.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NX4X02/?tag=2022091-20
(.This is a stirring document outlining a philosophy for s...)
.This is a stirring document outlining a philosophy for survival and fulfilment in our time. Signed by Andrei Sakharov, B.F. Skinner, Corliss Lamont, Betty Friedan, Sir Julian Huxley, Sidney Hook, Jacques Monod, Gunnar Myrdal, and 275 other distinguished leaders of thought and action, it has been hailed as a classic.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FGVB71Y/?tag=2022091-20
(In this landmark work, Paul Kurtz examines the reasons wh...)
In this landmark work, Paul Kurtz examines the reasons why people accept supernatural and paranormal belief systems in spite of substantial evidence to the contrary. According to Kurtz, it is because there is within the human species a deeply rooted tendency toward magical thinking—the “transcendental temptation”—which undermines critical judgment and paves the way for willful beliefs. Kurtz explores in detail the three major monotheistic religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—finding striking psychological and sociological parallels between these religions, the spiritualism of the nineteenth century, and the paranormal belief systems of today. This acclaimed and controversial book includes sections on mysticism, belief in the afterlife, the existence of God, reincarnation, astrology, and ufology. Kurtz concludes by explaining and advocating rational skepticism as an antidote to belief in the transcendental.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1616148276/?tag=2022091-20
(This entirely new Humanist Manifesto is designed to addre...)
This entirely new Humanist Manifesto is designed to address the problems of the twenty-first century and the millennium beyond. Providing a strong defense 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.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/157392783X/?tag=2022091-20
(Happiness is within everyone's grasp and is only a matter...)
Happiness is within everyone's grasp and is only a matter of making the right choices. Taking destiny into one's own hands and having the creative audacity to strive, seek, and meet challenges is the essence of life's drama and exaltation. Life per se has no meaning; it only presents opportunity to be seized and acted upon, thus paving the way for personal achievement and the full life. Paul Kurtz, in Exuberance, shows his readers how to banish drudgery from life and how to find happiness in the active life. Drawing upon his personal experience, knowledge, and success, Kurtz explains his philosophy of life, discussing learning and work, pleasure, eroticism and sexuality, morality, the need for love and friendship, and participation in contemporary issues. He suggests that self-power, resourcefulness, daring, creativity, and intelligence help guide and control one's life in spite of the many obstacles along the way. Only the individual can initiate his own success and therefore can take pride in accomplishing what he sets out to do. Exuberance also shows the reader how to cope with an ambiguous world. Life is charged with unexpected events and bizarre happenings. It is filled with richly diverse and idiosyncratic characters. Constant effort and exertion is needed in making a living, meeting new friends, falling in love, raising children, seeing projects through, and coming to terms with old age and death. Dealing with these problems directly rather than fleeing from life's risks reinforces a person and leads him towards an exuberant, rich, zestful life. According to Dr. Kurtz, the fulfillment of one's own purpose is in creating one's own ends and expending the power and energy to attain them. Thus, life's great sin, he suggests, is being lazy and noncreative.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0879752904/?tag=2022091-20
educator philosopher publisher writer
Kurtz, Paul was born on December 21, 1925 in Newark. Son of Martin and Sara (Lasser) Kurtz.
Bachelor, New York University, 1948. Master of Arts, Columbia University, 1949. Doctor of Philosophy, Columbia University, 1952.
Degree (honorary), Periyar Maniannai University, India, 2008.
Instructor, Queens College, 1950-1952; instructor philosophy, Trinity College, Hartford, Connecticut, 1952-1955; assistant professor, Trinity College, 1955-1958; associate professor, Trinity College, 1958-1959; associate professor, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, New York, 1960-1961; visiting professor, New School Social Research, New York City, 1960-1965; associate professor, Union College, Schenectady, 1961-1964; professor, Union College, Schenectady, 1964-1965; visiting professor, U. Besancon, France, 1965; professor philosophy, State University of New York, Buffalo, 1965-1991; professor emeritus, State University of New York, Buffalo, since 1992. Moderator television series.
(Are the fundamentalists shaking the foundations of the Am...)
(Are the fundamentalists shaking the foundations of the Am...)
(.This is a stirring document outlining a philosophy for s...)
(Is life meaningful without religion? Can one be moral and...)
(Paul Kurtz, America's leading secular humanist philosophe...)
(In this landmark work, Paul Kurtz examines the reasons wh...)
(In this optimistic, life-affirming book, philosopher Paul...)
(This entirely new Humanist Manifesto is designed to addre...)
(Kurtz argues that there are objective standards for judgi...)
( Does life have meaning if one rejects belief in God? Th...)
(Diversity and continuity of the American mind from coloni...)
( As we begin the third millennium there is cause for cau...)
(Very cool vintage paperback is clean, complete, nice read...)
( Paul Kurtz has been the dominant voice of secular human...)
(Happiness is within everyone's grasp and is only a matter...)
( The contemporary world is witness to an intense controv...)
(Philosophy, American Studies)
(Will be shipped from US. Brand new copy.)
(Will be shipped from US. Brand new copy.)
(Will be shipped from US. Brand new copy.)
(A landmark work. Mandatory reading for anyone who wants t...)
(. with dw, 1968)
Chairman emeritus Council Secular Humanism, 1980-2009, Center for Inquiry, since 1995. Trustee Behavioral Research Council, Great Barrington, Massachusetts. Board directors United States Bibliography of Philosophy, 1958-1970, University Centers Rational Alternatives, 1969-1996, International Humanist and Ethical Union, 1968-2000, co-chairman, 1986-1994.
Chairman emeritus Committee Science Investigation Claims of Paranormal, 1976-2009. With Army of the United States, 1944-1946. Fellow: American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Member: United Kingdom Rationalists Press Association (vice president since 1990), Academy Humanism (Laureate, president since 1983).
Married Claudine C. Vial, October 6, 1960. Children: Valerie L., Patricia A., Jonathan, Anne.