The Human Prospect is a peer-reviewed, indexed journal focused on the development and refinement of humanist values and ethics, as well as ways the humanist movement can foster them throughout society. It also covers new scientific evidence, theories, and conclusions, as well as their impact upon and relationship to society, values, and ethics.
An oldie-but-goodie from self-proclaimed skeptic and agnostic James A. Haught, who’s written several books on atrocities and injustices wreaked in the name of religion. The subject of taboos wouldn’t be complete without this quintessential jeremiad originally published in the Winter 1996/97 issue of Free Inquiry (a journal of secular humanist opinion and commentary founded in 1980 by Paul Kurtz).
On my way back to New York I then got a tweet from a follower linking to yet another “I resign from the skeptic movement and hand in my skeptic card” article, written by a prominent (former) skeptic. It doesn’t matter who. The list of complaints by that author are familiar: a tendency toward scientism, a certain degree of sexism within the movement, and a public failure to lead by some of the de facto leaders. The same issues that I have been complaining about for years. But I have not quit, and do not intend to quit. Why?
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.
Sam Harris’ latest book Waking Up presents what the author describes as a “rational approach to spirituality.” Harris demonstrates that there is no separate, permanent, independent “self” at the core of one’s being. Self is an illusion but consciousness is very real. A human suffers when trying to align his or her consciousness with this illusory self, but the good news is this bondage can be broken by practicing mindfulness from one moment to the next. Breaking the illusion of self not only enables the clarity to enjoy things as they really are, but it also, says Harris, enables appreciation for the reality and nature of consciousness. Additionally, consciousness is also what gives life a moral dimension. Harris is very upfront about his experiences with mind-altering chemicals and draws upon not only his scientific knowledge but also his many years’ experience in meditative practices of various kinds. The book is a significant contribution to naturalistic spirituality.
Besides having invented the late-night TV talk show in 1953, entertainer and musical composer Steve Allen went on to have a many-faceted career. He wrote more than 50 books, fourteen of which were published by Prometheus Books, the publishing house founded by Paul Kurtz. For nearly three decades he and Kurtz were colleagues and friends. A philosopher, as well, and a dynamic advocate for rationalism and reason, Allen wrote about religion, politics and social issues. Unalterably opposed to censorship, he was nevertheless a harsh critic of the trend towards coarseness in popular culture. Allen died in 2000, so he was spared the spectacle of the United States of America’s 45th president.
