Humanist Perspectives: Books
books by Canadian Humanist Publications
In addition to publishing the Humanist Perspectives quarterly journal, Canadian Humanist Publications has published The Road to Reason, available to order here.
The Road to Reason:
Landmarks in the Evolution of Humanist Thought
by Pat Duffy Hutcheon
216 pp, 2001
ISBN 0968601413
Dr Pat Duffy Hutcheon, a sociologist, clarifies the nature and origin of evolutionary naturalism as a necessary component of modern humanism. Her latest book presents the ideas of some of the most prominent thinkers who have contributed to the evolving philosophy of humanism over the centuries. This is the naturalistic view of human existence, in contrast to the supernatural.
In these essays, Pat Duffy Hutcheon has clearly undertaken to prepare for intelligent adults what is effectively a course of study of the core of humanism.
University Professor of Life Sciences Emeritus
University of Virginia
A much needed and most welcome resource for any thoughtful person who wants to better appreciate the naturalistic view of human existence rather than the supernatural or mystical approaches that so regrettably dominate the current scene.
Past President
British Columbia Humanist Association
If this book could be read by all college students – and a good many teachers – it would make up for some of the sad deficit in what currently passes for education.
University Professor of Social Theory
Rutgers University
books by other publishers
We also distribute several books from other publishers at a discount, but again, only to Canadian addresses – (those from other countries should purchase these books through their regional distributors). The books we distribute are available in a variety of topics, including: humanism; philosophy; religion; ethics; freethought; and the sciences, both physical and social.
on the subject of humanism
Seasons of Life
compiled by Nigel Collins
246 pp, Rationalist Press Association, 2000
ISBN 0301000018
This anthology provides a broad range of literature, particularly suitable for non-religious ceremonies — births, deaths, marriages, but also of personal interest.
Connecting the Fragments
by Harry Holmes
220 pp, George Mann Books, 1983
ISBN 0704101009
This selection of poetry and prose is an attempt to indicate a humanist attitude to life – a humanist mood. The fragments of human experience expressed in this book enshrine our values, our ideals and our hard-won insights, and they illuminate the path to human fulfilment on earth – the path of tolerance, of sympathy and understanding, of gentleness and of affection.
Foundations of Modern Humanism
by William McIlroy
14 pp, Sheffield Humanist Society, 1995
This pamphlet on the history of secular humanism by William McIlroy, former editor of The Freethinker, tells briefly about leading freethinkers in the late 18th and 19th centuries in Britain such as Tom Paine, Charles Bradlaugh, Richard Carlile, and Annie Besant. They fought the social injustices of their time, working for freedom of expression, right to birth control, and secular education, and set the stage for today’s humanism.
Humanist Ceremonies:
Sharing the Future —
A Practical Guide to Non-Religious Wedding Ceremonies
by Jane Wynne Willson
British Humanist Association
(new enlarged version of To Love and To Cherish)
Humanist Ceremonies:
Funerals Without God —
A Practical Guide to Non-Religious Funerals
by Jane Wynne Willson
British Humanist Association
Humanist Ceremonies:
New Arrivals —
A Guide to Non-Religious Naming Ceremonies
by Jane Wynne Willson
British Humanist Association
on the subject of philosophy
The Illusion of Immortality
by Corliss Lamont
303 pp, Continuum/Ungar
ASIN 0804463778
Lamont states the case for human mortality clearly, but argues that the illusion of immortality is an affirmative vision, not a negative one. “Extraordinarily complete and well-informed … worthy of the serious attention of all thoughtful persons” — John Dewey, in his introduction.
on the subject of religion
Challenging the Verdict:
A Cross-Examination of Lee Strobel’s The Case for Christ
by Earl Doherty
272 pp, Age of Reason Publications, 2001
By the author of The Jesus Puzzle, this is a dramatic critique of a popular defense of the Gospels. Creating a courtroom scene, Doherty dialogues with statements made by Strobel’s scholarly witnesses. He challenges and refutes their misreading of evidence, fallacious reasoning, and self-serving conclusions, offering his own more rational analysis of the Christian record.
Church and State in Canada
by Albert J Menendez
140 pp, Prometheus Books, 1996
ISBN 1573920797
lists at $38.95
Religion’s impact on education, law, and politics is the primary focus of this study. Where possible, comparisons between the USA and Canadian experiences are discussed by the American author so readers can observe how two great democracies have approached the interaction between church and state. Much of the data is not widely known to Canadians.
on the subject of ethics
The Ethics of Genetic Control:
Ending Reproductive Roulette
by Joseph Fletcher
219 pp, Prometheus Books, 1996
lists at $33.95
The patriarch of situational ethics explains why some ethical values need to catch up with the science of human reproduction and why newer methods can be more “natural” and humane than those they replace.
on the subject of free thought
On the Barricades:
Religion and Free Inquiry in Conflict
from Free Inquiry magazine
384 pp, Prometheus Books, 1997
ISBN 0879755636
lists at $26.95
This volume collects Free Inquiry magazine’s best articles: exposés of faith healing and televangelism, iconoclastic articles on atheism and unbelief, religion, politics and the courts, biblical criticism, sex, ethics, secular vs religious humanism.
The Age of Reason
(Special 200th Anniversary Edition)
by Thomas Paine
Wet Water Publications, 1992
ASIN 0963261223
lists at $5 US (approx $7 CAD)
(out of print)
Paine’s classic critique of the Bible and revealed religion is republished in this inexpensive and non-profit edition in honor of the 200th anniversary of its writing.
Atheism: The Case Against God
by George H Smith
355 pp, Prometheus Press, 1998
ISBN 087975124X
lists at $29.50
This popular book powerfully refutes arguments for the existence of a god. Smith insists that reason, not faith, should guide our culture.
Satellites Out of Orbit
by Chris Wind
294 pp, Magenta, 1989
ISBN 0929015010
lists at $16.95 US (approx $22 CAD)
Fictional, imaginative accounts portraying various classic characters, mainly women, and events from the past — from the Bible, myths, literature and history. With an ‘individual’ feminist perspective, the author writes what she thinks “the characters should’ve said” under their circumstances.
on the sciences — both physical & social
Studies Show:
A Popular Guide to Understanding Scientific Studies
by John H Fennick
220 pp, Prometheus Books, 1997
ISBN 157392136X
lists at $27.95
The daily media reports new findings on consumer products, medications, social behavior, public policy, et cetera. This light, humorous book reviews sample studies to expose their traps and pitfalls. With common sense and critical intelligence, we can understand almost any study.
Building Character & Culture
by Pat Duffy Hutcheon
304 pp, Praeger, 1999
ISBN 0275964698
lists at $25.95 US (approx $34 CAD)
Humans function as both the creators and creatures of an evolving culture. Hutcheon explains the ongoing interaction between nature and nurture, while identifying the danger of allowing nurture to occur in the absence of sound scientific analysis and pro-active intervention, guided by universally applicable values and reliable knowledge.