Dictionary Of Atheism Skepticism & Humanism

Dictionary Of Atheism Skepticism & Humanism

Author: Bill Cooke

Publisher: Prometheus Books

Published: 2009-12-30

Total Pages: 607

ISBN-13: 1615923659

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In the tradition of Voltaire''s Philosophical Dictionary, Ambrose Bierce''s Devil''s Dictionary, and Joseph McCabe''s Rationalist Encyclopedia, this accessible dictionary addresses the contemporary need for a reference book that succinctly summarizes the key concepts, current terminology, and major contributions of influential thinkers broadly associated with atheism, skepticism, and humanism. In the preface, author Bill Cooke notes that his work is intended "for freethinkers in the broadest sense of the word: people who like to think for themselves and not according to the preplanned routes set by others." This dictionary will serve as a guide for all those people striving to lead fulfilling, morally responsible lives without religious belief. Readers are offered a wide range of concepts, from ancient, well-known notions such as God, free will, and evil to new concepts such as "eupraxsophy." Also included are current "buzzwords" that have some bearing on the freethought worldview such as "metrosexual." The names of many people whose lives or work reflect freethought principles form a major portion of the entries. Finally, a humanist calendar is included, on which events of interest to freethinkers are noted. This unique, accessible, and highly informative work will be a welcome addition to the libraries of open-minded people of all philosophic persuasions.


A Dictionary of Atheism

A Dictionary of Atheism

Author: Lois Lee

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2016-11-17

Total Pages: 88

ISBN-13: 019252013X

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This Dictionary of Atheism provides more than 150 definitions of terms related to the subject of atheism, ranging from those of historic importance, including the history of the term atheist itself, to crucial concepts in the contemporary study of atheism, such as agnosticism and scepticism. Coverage includes secular and humanist organizations and publications, significant events in the history of atheism, such as the Scopes Monkey Trial, neologisms adopted by atheists including Bright and New Atheism, and parodic deities and religions such as Pastafarianism and the Flying Spaghetti Monster. Atheism is a growing subject of study with a significant scholarly presence emerging online, and many of the new terms covered represent the first authoritative definitions for this subject.


Understanding Atheism: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding Atheism: A Comprehensive Guide

Author: Piotr Willet

Publisher: Richards Education

Published:

Total Pages: 163

ISBN-13:

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"Embark on a journey of understanding with 'Understanding Atheism: A Comprehensive Guide', a profound exploration into one of the most intriguing facets of human belief. In this meticulously crafted book, delve into the depths of atheism's philosophy, history, and societal impact as you unravel misconceptions, debunk stereotypes, and explore the diverse tapestry of atheist thought. From ancient skepticism to modern secular humanism, this guide navigates the intricate interplay between atheism and morality, science, culture, and religion. Through ten insightful chapters, discover the ethical frameworks, existential questions, and practical applications of atheism in everyday life. Whether you're a skeptic, a believer, or simply curious, this book offers a nuanced and illuminating perspective on atheism, paving the way for a more informed and compassionate dialogue in an ever-evolving world."


A Dictionary of Atheism

A Dictionary of Atheism

Author: Stephen Bullivant

Publisher:

Published: 2016

Total Pages:

ISBN-13: 9780191816819

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This dictionary provides definitions of terms related to the subject of atheism, ranging from those of historic importance, including the history of the term 'atheist' itself, to crucial concepts in the contemporary study of atheism and related topics, such as nonreligion and postsecular.


Atheism & Humanism

Atheism & Humanism

Author: Bob Kowalski

Publisher: Independently Published

Published: 2023-09-28

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13:

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The main purpose of this book is to let people know what an atheist thinks, what his views are, what he thinks about religious arguments, and why he is not convinced by them. Several important themes are addressed in this book, religious, or not everyone should know these writings, they are not only a criticism of religions, but also of atheism itself. Atheists are the most disunited minority in the universe, so I started what has become this book with a critical text on the foundations of atheism, an investigation into the reasons for this disunity, an atheist's text for atheists, words that struggle to demonstrate the true meaning and origin of atheism. For me, the atheist movement will only come out of puberty when there is a self-assertive critique capable of coherently constructing an atheist identity. Most atheists these days are like eternal teenagers, they think that one dictionary definition is enough to instantly become a complete atheist. They consider themselves atheists and assume an incoherent brand of individualist rebels asserting a supposed absolute freedom; and, in this way, in the illusion of total freedom in atheism, without seeking the logical coherence of their ideas, they end up reproducing religious values, supernatural and incoherent beliefs. These kind of atheists don't study and are a disgrace. An unbeliever must study religion to become a full atheist. A religious must also learn a little about atheism to maintain their faith. An army must always know its opponents to have a good strategy, otherwise it would be a long shot. If you don't like some subject, you shouldn't run away from these ideas, quite the contrary, you should learn a little to try to refute, disagree, or agree on a miserable point, anyway, otherwise, you're just someone superficial and ignorant who rejects everything just because you heard it around. Any discussion must respect logic, if you do not accept a statement you must counter it with another argument and not something subjective and baseless. It is necessary to be open to dialogue so as not to fall into the error of considering irrational everything that does not match our limits of perception.


Skepticism and Humanism

Skepticism and Humanism

Author: Paul Kurtz

Publisher:

Published: 2023

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781003417798

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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.


Seven Types of Atheism

Seven Types of Atheism

Author: John Gray

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Published: 2018-10-02

Total Pages: 176

ISBN-13: 0374714266

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From the provocative author of Straw Dogs comes an incisive, surprising intervention in the political and scientific debate over religion and atheism When you explore older atheisms, you will find that some of your firmest convictions—secular or religious—are highly questionable. If this prospect disturbs you, what you are looking for may be freedom from thought. For a generation now, public debate has been corroded by a shrill, narrow derision of religion in the name of an often vaguely understood “science.” John Gray’s stimulating and enjoyable new book, Seven Types of Atheism, describes the complex, dynamic world of older atheisms, a tradition that is, he writes, in many ways intertwined with and as rich as religion itself. Along a spectrum that ranges from the convictions of “God-haters” like the Marquis de Sade to the mysticism of Arthur Schopenhauer, from Bertrand Russell’s search for truth in mathematics to secular political religions like Jacobinism and Nazism, Gray explores the various ways great minds have attempted to understand the questions of salvation, purpose, progress, and evil. The result is a book that sheds an extraordinary light on what it is to be human.


Icons of Unbelief

Icons of Unbelief

Author: S. T. Joshi

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA

Published: 2008-10-30

Total Pages: 474

ISBN-13: 0313347603

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Discusses the ideas and impact of 27 atheists, agnostics, and secularists whose ideas have shaped society over the last 200 years. In the opinion of many critics and philosophers, we are entering an age of atheism marked by the waning of Christian fundamentalism and the flourishing of secular thought. Through alphabetically arranged entries written by expert contributors, this book profiles 27 iconic figures of unbelief whose ideas have shaped American society over the last 200 years. Included are entries on influential figures of the past, such as Albert Einstein and Voltaire, as well as on such contemporary figures as Richard Dawkins and Sam Harris. Each entry discusses the ideas and lasting significance of each person or group, provides sidebars of interesting information and illuminating quotations, and cites works for further reading. The volume closes with a selected, general bibliography. Students in social studies and history classes will welcome this reference as a guide to the ideas central to the American separation of Church and State and to many of the political debates at the heart of society today. Each entry discusses the ideas and lasting significance of the person or group, provides sidebars of interesting information and quotations, and closes with a list of works for further reading. The volume ends with a selected, general bibliography. Students in history and social studies classes will welcome this reference as a guide to the American separation of Church and State and to the ideas central to contemporary political debates.


Secularity and Non-Religion

Secularity and Non-Religion

Author: Elisabeth Arweck

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2016-03-16

Total Pages: 184

ISBN-13: 1134910657

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The present collection brings together a set of essays which shed light on recent research into non-religion, secularity and atheism—topics which have been emerging as important areas of current research in a number of different disciplines. The essays cover a wide span—in terms of the various stances they discuss (secular, atheist, non-religious), the settings in which these topics are relevant (families, wider society, politics, demography) and the different perspectives which relate to socialisation and social relations (belief acquisition, discrimination). Written by authors from a variety of national settings and academic disciplines, the collection presents a range of methodologies, combining theoretical approaches with quantitative and qualitative research findings. The authors address issues related to an important academic field which had been neglected for some time, but which has been made relevant by the increasing percentage of people professing a non-religious stance. This collection represents a major contribution to this area of academic research, not only because it puts the themes of non-religion and secularity firmly on the academic map, but also because it offers a variety of different viewpoints and aims to bring clarity into the use of concepts and terminology. The authors make important contributions to the emerging body of research in this area and point out areas where further research is needed. The first essay provides a thorough introduction to this field, taking stock of the work done so far, highlighting the overarching issues, and embedding the essays in the wider context of existing literature. This book was originally published as a special issue of the Journal of Contemporary Religion.