Here are two recently published books dealing with the historical perspective of humanism. Both will reward readers with a clearer understanding of our philosophy.

The Case for Humanism

Lewis Vaughn and Austin Dacey
Rowman and Littlefield Publishers, Inc.

From the Foreword:

"It is the central mission of philosophy to ask the probing questions that may force us to scrutinize our beliefs. It is the special penchant of philosophy to ask searching questions about fundamental beliefs. This book is for those who have the courage to ask themselves such questions. It is an introduction to the ideas and issues that constitute the historical legacy of the humanist movement. It provides a fairly comprehensive overview of humanist positions and arguments concerning the centrally disputed issues that have fueled the debate about humanism. It also provides a fair summary of the major arguments from opponents of humanism."

Evan Fales, Professor of Philosophy, University of Iowa
This book was made possible by a grant from the Institute for Humanist Studies.

Doubt, A History

By Jennifer Michael Hecht
Publisher: Harper San Francisco

From the introduction:

"Doubters have been remarkably productive, for the obvious reason that they have a tendency toward investigation and, also, are often drawn to invest their own days with meaning. Many scientists and doctors have been doubters; many ethicists and theorists, authors and poets. The earliest doubt on historical record was twenty-six hundred years ago, which makes doubt older than most faiths. Doubt has been just as vibrant in its prescriptions for a good life, and just as passionate for truth. This is its story."

The author is an accomplished historian and award-winning poet. She is an assistant professor of history at Nassau Community College.

--Flo Wineriter