"Understanding Humanism is an easy-to-read and informative overview, the beliefs, practices, and values of humanism as a non-religious worldview. This short and lively book explores humanism both as a broad historical tradition of thought and as it is embodied in organised institutions. It sets out clearly and systematically the beliefs and values of humanism as well as the reality and personal experience of living as a humanist today. Questions discussed throughout this book include: What is the relation between science and humanism and religious belief? Is humanism wedded to science as the only valid form of knowledge? Can humanists value religious art, and if so, how and why? Does the emphasis on human responsibility depend on untenable beliefs in 'free will' and an enduring unitary self, and are these undermined by psychology and neuroscience? Is life sacred? What account would humanists give of the basis of human rights, and why they are important? Does humanism entail that human life is meaningless and pointless? Can humanists meet the challenge of nihilism? Understanding Humanism provides a reliable and easily digestible introduction to the field. With suggestions for further reading, case studies, discussion questions, and glossary this is the ideal textbook for those approaching the topic of humanism for the first time"--