The Wiley Blackwell Handbook of Humanism

The Wiley Blackwell Handbook of Humanism presents an edited collection of essays that explore the nature of Humanism as an approach to life, and a philosophical analysis of the key humanist propositions from naturalism and science to morality and meaning. Represents the first book of its kind to look at Humanism not just in terms of its theoretical underpinnings, but also its consequences and its diverse manifestations Features contributions from international and emerging scholars, plus renowned figures such as Stephen Law, Charles Freeman and Jeaneanne Fowler Presents Humanism as a positive alternative to theism Brings together the world s leading Humanist academics in one reference work

The Wiley Blackwell Handbook of Humanism presents anedited collection of essays that explore the nature of Humanism asan approach to life, and a philosophical analysis of the keyhumanist propositions from naturalism and science to morality andmeaning.* Represents the first book of its kind to look at Humanism notjust in terms of its theoretical underpinnings, but also itsconsequences and its diverse manifestations* Features contributions from international and emergingscholars, plus renowned figures such as Stephen Law, CharlesFreeman and Jeaneanne Fowler* Presents Humanism as a positive alternative to theism* Brings together the world's leading Humanist academics inone reference work

Notes on Contributors viiForeword xi1 What Is Humanism? 1Andrew CopsonPart I Essentials of Humanism 352 Naturalism 37Brendan Larvor3 Science, Reason, and Scepticism 55Stephen Law4 Death as Annihilation 72Peter Cave5 The Good and Worthwhile Life 87A. C. GraylingPart II Diverse Manifestations 956 The Materialists of Classical India 97Jeaneane Fowler7 Humanism in the Classical World 119Charles Freeman8 Ancient China 133Merv Fowler9 Humanistic Thought in the Islamic World of the Middle Ages 153Abdelilah LjamaiPart III Implications 17110 Counselling and the Humanist Worldview 173Carmen Schuhmann11 Making a Home in This World: Humanism and Architecture 194Ken Worpole12 Humanist Ceremonies: The Case of Non-Religious Funerals in England 216Matthew Engelke13 Humanism and Education 234John White14 Humanism and the Political Order 255Alan Haworth15 Humanism in Recent English Fiction 280Peter FaulknerPart IV Debates 30316 Feminism and Humanism 305Pauline Johnson17 Life Without Meaning? 325Richard Norman18 Spirituality 347Jeaneane Fowler19 Is Humanism Too Optimistic? An Analysis of Religion as Religion 374Paul Cliteur20 Humanism, Moral Relativism, and Ethical Objectivity 403John R. Shook21 The Future of Humanism 426Peter DerkxIndex 440