Philosophy Books
 |
For your own good?This joint-authored pamphlet is the product of the BHA’s Humanist Philosophers’ Group. The essay considers the issues of state paternalism, and paternalism towards children and adults; setting out arguments both for and against paternalism whilst highlighting the difficult problem of who, in fact, is best able to judge what is best for us. Published January 2001.
|
 |
JS Mill On…A collection of philosophical essays on the thought and contemporary relevance of John Stuart Mill based on a Humanist Philosophers’ group seminar in Parliament marking the 200th anniversary of his birth in 2006.
|
 |
Right to Object? Conscientious Objection and Religious ConvictionThe concept of conscientious objection acquires its problematic character from the conflict between two powerful, but diametrically opposing, moral requirements. One is the requirement to obey the law; the other, the requirement to follow the dictates of one’s own conscience. The above is from the introduction to Right to Object? Conscientious Objection and Religious Conviction, which is the product of the BHA’s Humanist Philosophers, and is edited by Alan Haworth. It includes: Jonathan Seglow: Religious Exemptions Peter Cave: Burkas and Bikinis: Morality and Muddles Andrew Shorten: Justifying Exemptions Without Religion: Why Toleration and Equality are Not Enough David Pollock: Is Conscientious Objection an Absolute Right? Richard Rowson: Applying an Ethical Framework to Decisions About Exemptions in the Professions Published November 2011. 59 pages.
|
 |
Thinking About DeathA range of approaches and perspectives in this collection based on the 2003 Humanist Philosophers’ Group Conference. Edited by Peter Cave and Brendan Larvor Contributors include: Anthony Flew; John Harris; Suzanne Uniacke and Adam Smith who explore the questions humanists ask about death and dying.
|
 |
The Case for SecularismThe Case for Secularism: a neutral state in an open society, argues for the secular approach in ways intended to appeal both to humanists and to religious believers. It is edited by Professor Richard Norman, emeritus professor of moral philosophy at the University of Kent. Polly Toynbee, President of the British Humanist Association, said at the booklet’s launch, “The case for secularism is strong and it only grows stronger with the increasing diversity of society. If we are all to have full enjoyment of the benefits of human rights, democracy, and equality before the law, we must ensure that our religious and philosophical differences are never allowed to compromise our shared lives as citizens and neighbours. Humanists are convinced that only a secular state of the sort described by Professor Norman and his fellow humanist philosophers can provide the common framework required for public life in an open society.”
|
 |
What is Humanism?Considers the historical and philosophical background to Humanism and explores what it means to be a humanist in the 21st Century.
|
 |
Humanist Philosophers’ Group Book Pack
|
 |
Religion and DarwinismAn analysis of religion from an evolutionary viewpoint by Professor Robert Hinde, and first given as the BHA Voltaire Lecture in 1997. The booklet explores the different elements that go to make up religious systems: structural beliefs; narratives; and the role of rituals like prayer and sacrifice. In particular Hinde examines the way that religion provided human communities with a common set of values and standards, and our need, as religion loses its grasp, to find a system of ethics that is valid for us today.
|
