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Teach Yourself HumanismBy Mark Vernon

29th September £9.99

Launched in 1938, the teach yourself series grew rapidly in response to the world's wartime needs. Loved and trusted by over 50 million readers, the series has continued to respond to our readers’ changing needs, interests and passions and now, 70 years on, includes over 500 titles, from Arabic and Beekeeping to Yoga and Zulu. What would you like to learn?

What do Plato, Kant, Marx, Nietzche, Einstein and Dawkins have in common? They have all held beliefs that have been called humanist. Whether you want to find out more about the history and development of Humanism, are studying it at GCSE, A-level or university, or are aware of its increasing prominence in our society today with a view to investigating further, Teach Yourself Humanism is a comprehensive guide to this important and diverse philosophy.

Generally seeking to define itself not as against religion, but as a practical and ethical way of life. Focusing on common human needs and seeking rational ways of solving human problems, this book will delve into the history and development of Humanist thought and address the many questions that surround Humanism today. Why is Humanism important? Is it possible to 'believe' in Humanism after Auschwitz? What implications does Humanist thought have on our society as a whole and the way in which it is structured? How have religious believers thought of themselves as humanist, as well as agnostics and atheists? How does Humanism deal with birth, marriage and death? Addressing all of these key questions, Teach Yourself Humanism is a fascinating read.

The Author

Mark Vernon is a writer and journalist. He writes articles for the Guardian, the Financial Times, the TLS and the Philosophers‘ Magazine. He is often on the radio, including programmes such as Radio 2's Chris Evans show, Radio 3's Nightwaves, Radio 4's In Our Time, and Five Live chat shows. He has commentated on BBC News, television. He is an honorary research fellow at Birkbeck College, London and has degrees in physics and theology and a PhD in philosophy. He used to be a priest in the Church of England.  His recent books include 'The Philosophy of Friendship' (Palgrave Macmillan)

‘Thousands of teenagers will be taught about humanism for the first time as part of a religious education GCSE’Telegraph – April 2008

• With a foreword by Philip Pullman• Discover this active philosophy• Learn about the key thinkers• Explore contemporary issues and debates