This year, as we mark the twenty-fifth anniversary of
Humanist Manifesto II, disagreements over humanist
epistemology and cosmology have emerged. The time is therefore
right to reexamine some of humanism's classic positions and
hopefully reconcile the divergent opinions among us.
The World is Round
(and Other Mythologies of Modern Science)
by Rob Wipond
Although conventional humanism claims that a sharp
distinction can be made between the methods of science and the
methods of religion, this position may actually suffer from a
serious shortage of both skepticism and modesty.
Protagoras Visits the Darwinian Planet
by Anselm Atkins
Are our scientific and other rational conclusions mere
culturally inspired myths about the nature of the world? Not at
all. Survival goes to the fittest, not the most imaginatively
deluded. The only reasons we're here at all is because our
ancestors disvovered some genuine truths.
The Way of Science
by Connie Barlow
Perhaps the evolutionary survival of religion holds the
key to planetary survival. For if human beings have evolved a
natural affinity for faith and a need for myths, there's a reason
for it. Can we use this understanding to make religion more
"green" and useful?
Reinventing Nature
by Jeremy Rifkin
The time may be past for understanding ourselves best
through an understanding of our evolved humanity. We are now
entering the Biotech Century, when we may begin to remanufacture
ourselves and all life to suit purposes we've not yet clarified.
And this will transform our image of nature and self, rewriting
our scientific cosmology.
ALSO:
The "Partial-Birth" Debate in 1998
by John M. Swomley
As the 1998 elections near, it's almost certain that
Congress will again attempt to override President Clinton's veto
of the so-called Partial-Birth Abortion Act. Activist John Swomley
answers the misinformation disseminated about this controversial
subject.
Computing the Mind
by Bruce Hinrichs
Although it's popular to compare the workings of the
brain to a computer, is that approach accurate? Psychologist Bruce
Hinrichs takes apart and puts back together the centuries-old
mind-body problem for a more user-friendly you.
