I have just finished reading Paul Kurtz’s book Living Without Religion: Eupraxsophy and I am just thrilled with Paul’s concept of Eupraxsophy. I think its the thing to promote.

In fact I have dedicated all of my activism to spreading the pursuit of eupraxsophy. Does anyone else share my excitement at this idea?

I would like to hear more perspectives on eupraxsophy. I think its a really radical idea.

Some references might help. Here are three

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eupraxsophy
http://www.humanismtoday.org/vol6/kurtz.pdf
http://www.secularhumanism.org/index.php?section=library&page=kurtz_24_6

faithlessgod - 08 April 2008 09:00 AM

Some references might help. Here are three

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eupraxsophy
http://www.humanismtoday.org/vol6/kurtz.pdf
http://www.secularhumanism.org/index.php?section=library&page=kurtz_24_6

Thanks a lot. I’m planning on starting a CFI campus club at my school this week.

As for creating CFI clubs check out the idea of a http://www.centerforinquiry.net/amherst/events/eupraxsophy_cafe/
A review of his book http://atheism.about.com/od/bookreviews/fr/Affirmations.htm
Another book - intro and first chapter online http://www.c-s-p.org/Flyers/9781904303626-sample.pdf

Have not found a good, or indeed any, critique of this idea from humanists or anyone else. Anyone know of any?

I think Kurtz’s writing has probably largely escaped theist attention. Granted theists aren’t the only ones who would criticize his work, but thats who I’m watching.

Our club started last night I’m happy to say.

Its the UT Dallas Atheists, Skeptics, and Humanists. They wouldn’t let me name it UT Dallas Eupraxsophers. But eupraxsophy was discussed, and it was agreed that it was the purpose of the club.

We are officially becoming a CFI club this week. I’m really stoked. I really, really, believe in the mission of CFI.

mindcore - 07 April 2008 09:34 AM

Does anyone else share my excitement at this idea?

I also share your excitement with the idea of eupraxsophy.  Paul Kurtz is truly brilliant, and I have always wished that his writings would reach an even larger audience than those of the so-called “New Atheists.” Kurtz’s message is essentially entirely constructive and is, perhaps as result, considerably less provocative.  Nonetheless, it is one of the voices IMO that the world most needs.

I am currently about two thirds of the way through Forbidden Fruit - The Ethics of Humanism and am loving it.

Anyone on this forum read it?

faithlessgod - 09 April 2008 12:02 AM

A review of his book http://atheism.about.com/od/bookreviews/fr/Affirmations.htm

I also read this one and quite enjoyed it.  It presents itself in an extremely easy to read, almost New Agey format.  But there nothing at all New Agey about its content.  It is skeptically and critically formulated humanist assertion in a direct form.  It is also an excellent outline for introducing certain secular humanist concepts more broadly.

erasmusinfinity - 18 April 2008 07:01 AM

mindcore - 07 April 2008 09:34 AM

Does anyone else share my excitement at this idea?

I also share your excitement with the idea of eupraxsophy.  Paul Kurtz is truly brilliant, and I have always wished that his writings would reach an even larger audience than those of the so-called “New Atheists.” Kurtz’s message is essentially entirely constructive and is, perhaps as result, considerably less provocative.  Nonetheless, it is one of the voices IMO that the world most needs.

I am currently about two thirds of the way through Forbidden Fruit - The Ethics of Humanism and am loving it.

Anyone on this forum read it?

For me the New Atheism led me to Kurtz and CFI as a natural progression.

Its a weird situation for us tactically. I have a podcast, and I certainly started as very vitriolic to religion, now I blatantly encourage my listeners, both religious and irreligious to join CFI.

I am also currently reading The Transcendental Temptation but Forbidden Fruit is in the cards ( jokingly of course).

I wonder what you think about my suggestion that New Atheism might be a good gateway to the general humanistic inquiry movement?

erasmusinfinity - 18 April 2008 07:01 AM

mindcore - 07 April 2008 09:34 AM

Does anyone else share my excitement at this idea?

I also share your excitement with the idea of eupraxsophy.  Paul Kurtz is truly brilliant, and I have always wished that his writings would reach an even larger audience than those of the so-called “New Atheists.” Kurtz’s message is essentially entirely constructive and is, perhaps as result, considerably less provocative.  Nonetheless, it is one of the voices IMO that the world most needs.

I am currently about two thirds of the way through Forbidden Fruit - The Ethics of Humanism and am loving it.

Anyone on this forum read it?

I just ordered Forbidden Fruit see how easy it can be to influence people.

Soon I will be posting with you what I think of it.

So far the trend is when Kurtz puts his pen to paper, its like a song to me.

mindcore - 18 April 2008 08:57 AM

For me the New Atheism led me to Kurtz and CFI as a natural progression.

mindcore - 18 April 2008 08:57 AM

I wonder what you think about my suggestion that New Atheism might be a good gateway to the general humanistic inquiry movement?

My view of this point has wavered several times.  In all, I think that you make a very powerful point.  I do feel strongly that religious delusion is entirely bad for individuals and society.  But it is more important, to me, that people treat each other well than it is to disprove self-induced fantasies just for the sport of it.

In all, I retain some skepticism of the new atheism as a movement.  But I think that your personal story illustrates a very constructive role for the “new atheists” in your own life’s journey away from religion.  And I have little doubt that is the case with many others in America.

I consider Dawkins and Dennett to be very interesting figures.  I particularly like their work outside of the topic of the “new atheism.” Sam Harris is a heartthrob and he also gets people feeling good about their lack of religion, which I think is an essentially positive thing.  Hitchens, on the other hand, does often offend my sensibilities outside of the topic of religion.

mindcore - 18 April 2008 10:07 AM

I just ordered Forbidden Fruit see how easy it can be to influence people.
Soon I will be posting with you what I think of it.

Cool.  I just finished it.  I’d love to hear what you think.

I waver on it too. Matt Nisbet makes a compelling argument.

-Rodrigo Neely