Towards a New Enlightenment: the Philosophy of Paul Kurtz edited with an introduction by Vern L Bullough and Timothy J Madigan (Transaction Publishers, USA & UK, $39.95

Paul Kurtz is an indefatigable campaigner for the ideals of humanism, both in his own region of North America and in the international arena as a co-President of the IHEU. He is an equally prodigious writer having written over a dozen books, edited more than thirty, and having produced hundreds of articles. The comprehensive bibliography of Kurtz writings is testimony to his wide examination of humanist philosophy and sceptical issues. Two characteristics are visible I his writing covering more than three decades: his shining lucidity (not a quality always associated with philosophy today) and an energy and exuberance which permeate his presentation of humanist ideas.

Kurtz argues with post-modern nihilism, which denigrates the so-called Age of enlightenment. He argues that the Enlightenment offered a growth of the scientific revolution, tamed the planet by reduction of hunger and disease, advanced universal education and democratic thought. He accepts Adorno’s view that ‘after Auschwitz’ we cannot write hymns to the grandeur of man. Nevertheless, the Enlightenment achievements are considerable and may be continued. Perhaps we are now entering the period of ‘post-post-modernity’ and are ready for a re-Enlightenment. The values of humanism have a key role here and a realistic optimism is not misplaced. History, Kurtz suggests, is not fixed and its future direction depends upon our efforts.

I have minor doubts over two aspects of this collection; I don’t think the world ‘eupraxophy’ for humanism will catch on. The meaning is attractive – eu good, praxis action, sophia wisdom – but the word is not sufficiently euphonious or clear to become widely used. Although the articles here cover more than twenty years, Kurtz’s views are remarkably consistent – but it must be noted that in dealing with subjects such as the Vatican or the former communist countries, there is some material that has dated.

The book is excellently edited by two of Kurtz’s colleagues, Vern Bullough and Timothy Madigan.

As with many humanists a crucial element is the emphasis on morality. A number of Kurtz’s essays cover this area. He frequently refers to ‘the common human decencies’ – a phrase which will ring a chord for the layman if it might beg questions for the philosopher. Moral decencies are honesty, trustworthiness, benevolence, fairness; but we have responsibility to our self, our immediate family and friends, our region and to the world community. This theme is especially appropriate to IHEU members.

‘…. It is abundantly clear that we now live in an interdependent world … What this means is that we need to develop a new global ethic in which each of us recognises our responsibility to every other member of the human species.’