Multi-Secularism: A New Agenda

by Paul Kurtz

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781412814195
Publisher:	Transaction Publishers
Publication date:	04/15/2010
Pages:	272
Product dimensions:	6.30(w) x 9.20(h) x 0.90(d)

Table of Contents

Preface
Introduction: The Battle for Secularism

Section 1 — Basic Categories
I: The Secular Humanist Prospect in Historical Perspective
II: Naturalism and the Future
III: Naturalism, Secularism, and Humanism

Section 2 — Secular Morality
IV: The Ethics of Secularism
V: Morality Is Natural
VI: Affirming Life
VII: The Pursuit of Excellence: Raising the Level of Taste and Appreciation
VIII: A Good Will
IX: Neo-Humanism
X: A Modified Naturalistic Ethical Theory

Section 3 — Secularism and Religion
XI: Skeptical Inquiry and Religion
XII: Why I Am a Skeptic about Religious Claims
XIII: Religion in Conflict: Are "Evangelical Atheists" Too Outspoken?
XIV: The Passion as a Political Weapon: Anti-Semitism and the Gospels
XV: Creating Secular and Humanist Alternatives to Religion

Section 4 — Humanism and Politics
XVI: Is America a Post-Democratic Society?
XVII: The New American Plutocracy
XVIII: Can We Bridge the Great Cultural Divide?

Section 5 — The Rise of India and China
XIX: The Industrial-Technological Revolution
XX: The New China and the Old

Section 6 — Personal Reflections
XXI: The Convictions of a Secular Humanist
XXII: The Transformation of Universities
XXIII: Final Reflections: Perhaps Facing Death

Index

Editorial Reviews

Multisecularism is a collection of essays by philosopher Paul Kurtz (1925), mainly editorials from Free Inquiry and Skeptical Inquiry from 2000-2008, plus some essays that have been published in other journals or books. In this book these editorials and essays form a coherent humanist philosophy. . . . Kurtz has coined many new terms in his long career, ‘multisecularism’ is the latest. He also issued humanist manifestos, all of which have been endorsed by a long series of prominent scientists, philosophers, and writers. In these Manifestos he sets the agenda for what humanism is and how it relates to current world affairs.” —Floris van den Berg, theradicalhumanist.com "In the ongoing battles over the role of religion in public life, Paul Kurtz remains a sound voice of reason. Multi-Secularism lays out a clear and engaging vision of a secular future showing how both capitalism and organized religion will have to contend with increasing calls to humanize the world of business and markets and the dogmatic aspects of religion. A book well worth reading whatever your religious affiliation or persuasion." —Arthur Caplan, Emmanuel and Robert Hart Director of the Center for Bioethics and the Sydney D. Caplan Professor of Bioethics, University of Pennsylvania "For decades before the appearance of the 'new atheists'; Paul Kurtz has been making the case for an enlightened secular humanism—rooted in reason and compassion, imbued with moral values, and opposed to superstition, ignorance, and dogma. These essays showcase Kurtz's humanity, wisdom, and decency, and have much to offer to any thinking person." —Steven Pinker, Harvard College Professor of Psychology, Harvard University, and author of The Stuff of Thought

From the Publisher