The definition of humanism has been a subject of diverse interpretation almost since the movement began. Some people have been called or call themselves humanists without any clear understanding of what it means. Different factions have arisen such as religious humanists and secular humanists, groups that have often disagreed upon matters of definition, but are one in their advocacy of the basic goals.
But what is a humanist? And how are we to distinguish the various stripes of humanists? More importantly, how are we to separate humanism as humanists understand it from that which is criticized by the far right?
After an introductidn to the earliest ideas of and terms for humanisrn in the ancient world, this book gives an account of the original appearance and first meanings of the word "humanist" in the Italian Renaissance and of the word "humanism" in the German Enlightenment, and a survey of the varying uses by diverse groups and individuals, until the gradual adoption of the term by the early freethought movement and the eventual establishment of a new humanist movement.
Drawing on personal experience and information from more than 400 sources, this is the first full-length treatment of the subject, concluding with a manifesto of modern humanism.
Nicolas Walter (London, England), director of the Rationalist Press Association, and the Humanist Peace Council, is a contributor to the Times Literary Supplement, and the BBC World Service.
Not available in the UK and Europe. For sales in these areas contact The Rationalist Press Association, 47 Theobald's Road, London WC1X 8SP. Telephone 0171 430 1371. Fax 0171 430 1271. E-mail jim-rpa@humanism.org.uk. Cost £20.00 plus £1.00 post and packing.
125 pages ISBN 1-57392-209-9 Paper
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