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 as it is most commonly understood--as a positive, moral form of atheism.

Humanism: A Very Short Introduction

Politics & Social Sciences

Law, Stephen

Philosophy

Oxford University Press

As we stuff ourselves with plumped-up turkeys, unwrap the latest useless gadget, and gather round the family tree, what real relevance does the festive season have and why do we perpetuate it? The Xmas Files is designed to be a fun book, but one underpinned by an exploration of some real issues. The way we celebrate Christmas says a lot about the way we relate to each other, our society, and our values. Stephen Law takes a look at such things as Bertrand Russell's turkey, the existential angst of Santa, and peace on earth to produce a humourous, varied, and thought-provoking collection.

The Xmas Files: The Philosophy of Christmas

Humor & Entertainment

Humor

Orion Publishing

From Descartes to designer babies, The Philosophy Gym poses questions about some of history's most important philosophical issues, ranging in difficulty from pretty easy to very challenging. He brings new perspectives to age-old conundrums while also tackling modern-day dilemmas -- some for the first time. Begin your warm up by contemplating whether a pickled sheep can truly be considered art, or dive right in and tackle the existence of God. In this radically new way of looking at philosophy, Stephen Law illustrates the problem with a story, then lets the argument battle it out in clear, easily digestible and intelligent prose. This perfect little mental health club is sure to give each reader's mind a great workout.

The Philosophy Gym: 25 Short Adventures in Thinking

Thomas Dunne Books

The War for Children's Minds

Behind headlines on the conflict in Iraq and global terrorism, a much deeper battle is raging over children and the values they should adopt. Political and religious leaders including Blair and Bush have been joined by the popular press in Enlightenment-bashing and bitter attacks on `liberal parenting calling for a return to authority and religious tradition. How do we raise good children? How do we make good citizens? In defiant yet acute fashion, Stephen Law urges us to re-evaluate the liberal tradition of thinking about morality. Tackling authoritarian rhetoric head-on, he argues that children should learn about right and wrong, and respect for others, but that their education should be grounded in the hard-won values of the Enlightenment. Taking on neo-conservatives and religious and media commentators, The War for Children‘s Minds is a candid and controversial call for a liberal, philosophically informed approach to raising children. A staunch defence of the humane, liberal life, The War for Children‘s Minds is a much-needed guide to an urgent moral conundrum.

Routledge

How do we raise good children? How do we make good citizens? In defiant yet acute fashion, Stephen Law urges us to re-evaluate the liberal tradition of thinking about morality. Tackling authoritarian rhetoric head-on, he argues that children should learn about right and wrong, and respect for others, but that their education should be grounded in the hard-won values of the Enlightenment. Taking on neo-conservatives and religious and media commentators, The War for Children‘s Minds is a candid and controversial call for a liberal, philosophically informed approach to raising children. Rejecting accusations that liberal parenting is a Sixties hangover that entails an aimless `whatever attitude to morality, Stephen Law exposes the weaknesses of arguments calling for a return to authoritarian styles of moral education. He clearly shows that thinking for oneself does not mean that all moral points of view are equally good, or that we must reject faith in order to think freely.

Where did the universe come from? Is time travel possible? Is it morally acceptable to design babies genetically? If you have ever asked yourself such questions, then you have already begun to think philosophically. This book is for those who want to take the next step. Stephen Law poses some of the most important philosophical questions of today - and of yesterday. Light-hearted questions about whether a pickled sheep is really art rub shoulders with more profound and time-honoured fears about whether God exists. He illustrates the problem with a story then lets both sides of the argument battle it out in clear, easily digestible and intelligent prose. And by separating each issue into a distinct section, it is possible to dip in and out in any order and at any time you like.

The Philosophy Gym

Thomas Dunne / St. Martin's

Really, Really Big Questions by Stephen LawHave you ever looked at your dog and wondered what it is really thinking? Or asked yourself if your entire life has been a dream? Prepare to exercise your mind as you investigate these big ideas and more on the roller-coaster ride of reason and ridiculous that is philosophy. Cool illustrations, brainteasers, and quirky quotations add to the simple and fun question-and-answer format, introducing readers to life's important questions.

Really Really Big Questions

Children's Books

Science, Nature & How It Works

Kingfisher

Have you ever looked at your dog and wondered what it is really thinking? Or asked yourself if your entire life has been a dream? Prepare to exercise your mind as you investigate these big ideas and more on the roller-coaster ride of reason and ridiculous that is philosophy. Cool illustrations, brainteasers, and quirky quotations add to the simple and fun question-and-answer format, introducting readers to life's important questions.

Really, Really Big Questions: About Life, the Universe, and Everything

Education & Reference

Really, Really Big Questions About Life, the Universe, and Everything

What am I made of? How do I know I'm real?Will I still be the same person at eighty?
Following up on the success of Really, Really Big Questions, and Really, Really Big Questions About God, Faith, and Religion here comes an entertaining book that explores the important, weird, and sometimes metaphysical questions that children have about themselves. From the physical―Why do I like chocolate? How does my brain work? ―to the philosophical―Is my memory what makes me? Is there life after death? ―Really, Really Big Questions About Me and my Body by Stephen Law, illustrated by Marc Aspinall takes on the deeper questions that come with growing self-awareness. Throughout it all, humorous writing, funky art, and fun features like optical illusions, amusing stories, quotes, and mind-teasers keep it light and make this philosophic journey unforgettably interesting.

Really, Really Big Questions About Me and my Body

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Law, Stephen. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Law, Stephen

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Law, Stephen. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Humanism: A Very Short Introduction

The Xmas Files: The Philosophy of Christmas

The Philosophy Gym: 25 Short Adventures in Thinking

The War for Children's Minds

The War for Children's Minds

The Philosophy Gym

Really Really Big Questions

Really, Really Big Questions: About Life, the Universe, and Everything

Really, Really Big Questions About Life, the Universe, and Everything

Really, Really Big Questions About Me and my Body