Humanist Manifesto 2000: A Call for a New Planetary Humanism

by Paul Kurtz

This entirely new Humanist Manifesto is designed to address the problems of the twenty-first century and the millennium beyond. Providing a strong defense of scientific naturalism and technology, it is offered as a contribution to the dialogue among the different cultural, political, and economic viewpoints in the world.Humanist Manifesto 2000 is formulated in the conviction that science, reason, democracy, education, and humanist values can enhance human progress. Drawing on the achievements of modernity - the success of scientific medicine, the overall improvement of public health, the Green Revolution, the conveniences of a consumer society, global communication and transportation, increased understanding of the natural world, and many others - the planetary humanism that this manifesto presents seeks to transcend the negativity of postmodernism and looks forward to the information age now upon us.Humanist Manifesto 2000 promotes a humanistic ethics based on reason and a planetary bill of rights and responsibilities. It proposes a new global agenda, stresses the need for international institutions (including a new world parliament and regulation of global conglomerates), and concludes on a note of optimism about the human prospect. Endorsed by a distinguished list of humanist intellectuals--including Arthur C. Clarke, Alan Cranston, Richard Dawkins, Richard Leakey, Jill Tarter, E. O. Wilson, and eleven Nobel Laureates--Humanist Manifesto 2000 recommends long-range attainable goals and generates confidence in the ability of the human species to solve its problems by rational means and a positive outlook. This manifesto was drafted by Paul Kurtz in consultation with a twelve-person internal committee.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction

76 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1999

About the author

Dr. Paul W. Kurtz was a prominent American skeptic and secular humanist. Before his retirement, he was Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at the State University of New York at Buffalo, having previously also taught at Vassar, Trinity, and Union colleges, and the New School for Social Research.

Reviews

[J.C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

i didn't agree with every single little thing, but i'm surprised by how much of this I have discovered are already part of my beliefs on humanity and it's role in the 21st century. I do however feel that its already a bit outdated, I feel the need to have included into it the issue of renewable energy and the realization that relying on fossil fuels is stupid. Among other things (like having a rule that no government should spy on its own people, for example). Of course these issues have become bigger this century as opposed to the last (it was drafted in 1999), so i guess that makes sense.


Overall though I found it good and glad I picked it up. it's important to be optimistic for the future, and above all, to fight for that future, not just for ourselves and our offspring, but for each other.

[Sarita · Rating 2 out of 5]

The premises of Western society are baffling.