The Wiley Blackwell Handbook of Humanism

The Wiley Blackwell Handbook of Humanism presents a comprehensive collection of essays that explore the historical roots and contemporary expressions of Humanism. Readings address the nature of Humanism as an approach to life, and offer philosophical analyses of the key humanist propositions from naturalism and science to morality and meaning. In addition to such renowned academics as Stephen Law, Charles Freeman and  Jeaneanne Fowler, many more established and emerging scholars contribute essays that explore and analyse the richly diverse manifestations of humanism that have emerged in myriad locales and contexts. Casting its net well beyond the usual modern Western narrative, we are shown how humanist expressions emerged in ancient India and China, and throughout the medieval Arabic world. Taking a landmark approach to the study of humanism, the collection features multidisciplinary explorations of the consequences of humanism as it relates to politics, education, psychology, architecture, and more. Up–to–date contributions also focus on the key controversies in the study of humanism, from the accusation of nihilism and place of spirituality to the objectivity of humanist moralities. Innovative and thought–provoking, The Wiley Blackwell Handbook of Humanism offers illuminating insights into the current thinking on the secular alternative to seeking meaning for our lives in today s complex world.

Notes on Contributors vii

Foreword xi

1 What Is Humanism? 1
Andrew Copson

Part I Essentials of Humanism 35

2 Naturalism 37
Brendan Larvor

3 Science, Reason, and Scepticism 55
Stephen Law

4 Death as Annihilation 72
Peter Cave

5 The Good and Worthwhile Life 87
A. C. Grayling

Part II Diverse Manifestations 95

6 The Materialists of Classical India 97
Jeaneane Fowler

7 Humanism in the Classical World 119
Charles Freeman

8 Ancient China 133
Merv Fowler

9 Humanistic Thought in the Islamic World of the Middle Ages 153
Abdelilah Ljamai

Part III Implications 171

10 Counselling and the Humanist Worldview 173
Carmen Schuhmann

11 Making a Home in This World: Humanism and Architecture 194
Ken Worpole

12 Humanist Ceremonies: The Case of Non–Religious Funerals in England 216
Matthew Engelke

13 Humanism and Education 234
John White

14 Humanism and the Political Order 255
Alan Haworth

15 Humanism in Recent English Fiction 280
Peter Faulkner

Part IV Debates 303

16 Feminism and Humanism 305
Pauline Johnson

17 Life Without Meaning? 325
Richard Norman

18 Spirituality 347
Jeaneane Fowler

19 Is Humanism Too Optimistic? An Analysis of Religion as Religion 374
Paul Cliteur

20 Humanism, Moral Relativism, and Ethical Objectivity 403
John R. Shook

21 The Future of Humanism 426
Peter Derkx

Index 000

Andrew Copson is Chief Executive of the British Humanist Association, Vice President of the International Humanist and Ethical Union, and a former director of the European Humanist Federation.

A. C. Grayling is Professor of Philosophy and Master of the New College of the Humanities, London, and a Supernumerary Fellow of St Anne′s College Oxford.