Summary:
What do Plato, Kant, Marx, Nietzsche, Einstein and Dawkins have in common? They have all held beliefs that have been called humanist. Whether you want to find out more about the history and development of humanism, are studying it at A-level or university, or are aware of its increasing prominence in our society today and want to investigate it further, Teach Yourself Humanism is a comprehensive guide to this important and diverse philosophy. Generally seeking to define itself not as a negative response to religion but as a practical and ethical way of life focusing on common human needs and seeking rational ways of solving human problems, this book will delve into the history and development of humanist thought and address the many questions that surround humanism today. Why is humanism important? Is it possible to 'believe' in humanism after Auschwitz? What implications does humanist thought have on our society as a whole and the way in which it is structured? How does humanism deal with birth, marriage and death? Addressing all of these key questions, Teach Yourself Humanism is a fascinating read.

• Foreword by Philip Pullman

• According to the British Humanist Association, there are 17 million humanists in Britain today. More and more people want to find out about this active philosophy.
• People often come across Humanism when organizing a non-religious naming-ceremony, wedding or funeral. This book will be useful to all those who want to know more.
• The popularity of Dawkins' titles have brought alternatives to organized religion to the fore.
• Some of the key thinkers in Western philosophy - Sartre, Bertrand Russell, Plato, Socrates, Einstein and Dawkins share elements of Humanist philosophy.
• Humanism is now on the A-level religious studies syllabus.
• Our title will look at the history, key thinkers, the diversity and the contemporary nature of humanism.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
01 Classical Antecedents
02 Renaissance Humanism
03 Enlightenment Humanism
04 Modern Humanism
05 Contemporary Revivals
06 Further Varieties of Humanism
07 Other Contemporary Issues
08 Humanist Ethics
09 Humanism as a Way of Life
Taking it Further
Glossary
Index

About the Author(s):
Mark Vernon is a writer and journalist. His recent books include: 'The Philosophy of Friendship' (Palgrave Macmillan), 'After Atheism' (Palgrave Macmillan), and 'Wellbeing' (Acumen). He writes articles for the Guardian, the Financial Times, the TLS and the Philosophers' Magazine. He is often on the radio, including programmes such as Radio 2's Chris Evans show, Radio 3's Nightwaves, Radio 4's In our Time and Five Live chat shows. He is an honorary research fellow at Birkbeck College, London and has degrees in physics and theology and a PhD in philosophy. He used to be a priest in the Church of England.

Readership:
Those wanting to find out more about this active philosophy.