Paul Kurtz

Paul Kurtz Exemplifies the Magnificence of a Secular Life Worth Living

Paul Kurtz Exemplifies the Magnificence of a Secular Life Worth Living

When I think of Paul Kurtz, I think of three adjectives: Visionary, Indefatigable, and Productive.

Paul Kurtz was a visionary in many ways. Personally, I appreciated his recognition that the future of secular humanism had to include a more diverse demographic. The future of secular humanism cannot continue to ignore the more than 50 million people that we call Latinos/Hispanics in the United States, and he knew that.

Paul Kurtz was in the business of saving minds, not souls, and he was very good at it. He produced many followers who will continue his work. Paul Kurtz left us with organizations and other vehicles through which secular humanism continues to assert its place in the public square. Even his critics must acknowledge that.

The Making of a Good Skeptic: A Tribute to Philosopher Paul Kurtz

The Making of a Good Skeptic: A Tribute to Philosopher Paul Kurtz

I first heard about Dr. Paul Kurtz back in the 1990s from my then Ph.D. advisor, Michael Ruse. Michael had just published one of his books with Prometheus Books and stated how impressed he was that such a relatively obscure publishing house from 1969 had grown to produce such high quality works. Michael had also told me that many serious academics were seeking out and were intent on publishing with Prometheus. I can also remember how captivated I was when first learning about this American philosopher, Paul Kurtz, who named a publishing company after a Greek mythological Titan who stole fire from the gods to give to humans. I remember thinking then that this was a philosopher I would very much like to meet.

I owe a lot to Paul Kurtz. He opened my eyes to the nuances of humanism. And he demonstrated to me that a philosopher can be more than simply an ivory tower academic. Paul has greatly helped to change the way the world understands secular philosophy and he has paved the way for an entire movement.

Remembering Paul Kurtz and Recognizing His Influence

Remembering Paul Kurtz and Recognizing His Influence

I was fortunate enough to have had a last conversation with him concerning the future work of the Institute the day before he died. One of his last directions was he wished to be a signatory on Leo Igwe’s A Manifest for A Skeptical Africa. We were also formulating plans to continue his much beloved summer school here at the University of Buffalo.

How will I remember Paul? As a lion of a man and a true friend. I will remember him with love. And I promise to continue his work carrying out his mission.

Remembering Paul Kurtz

Remembering Paul Kurtz

Paul Kurtz was to me a teacher, mentor, colleague, and friend. His impact on me was monumental, even life defining. I got to know him in 1997 after which followed a long period of long-distance (and for short periods, face-to-face) tutoring and mentoring in the history and philosophy of secular humanism.