num_pages: 150
description: People of faith often argue that without God there can be no morality. Indeed without religion our lives are left without meaning and are likely to degenerate into moral chaos. In this Very Short Introduction  philosopher Stephen Law explains why these claims are false and why humanism--though a rejection of religion--nevertheless provides both a moral basis and a meaning for our lives. Indeed Law shows that humanism is a quite positive alternative to religion. The humanist is not simply one who denies the truth of religious belief but one who believes we can enjoy meaningful purposeful and good lives without religion. And far from embracing moral nihilism humanists are often deeply committed people to be found at the forefront of many important ethical campaigns. Law goes on to show how the term humanism is used in a variety of ways. Marx described himself as a humanist but the Pope has also expressed support for what he calls humanism. Law argues for humanism asit is most commonly understood--as a positive moral form of atheism.
language: English
title: Humanism: A Very Short Introduction
publisher: Oxford University Press