Six Secular Philosophers

by Lewis White Beck

In this critique of religious philosophy, Beck discusses six philosophers whose works on religion he considers to be the most germane to contemporary issues. First addressing the question 'what is secular philosophy?', Beck then explains differences between the 'families' of secular philosophers, before examining their lives and works. This new edition is 'important to all those who are troubled over the position and function of religion in our culture and in a divided world'.

Genres: Philosophy

140 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[Jonathan]

An exceptional little survey of philosophic thought on religion. Secular philosophy is defined here as "philosophy which is autonomous with respect to established and accepted religious views." Not necessarily anti-religious, yet not simply committed to answers handed down by ecclesiastic authority. This served as my introduction to Spinoza, Hume, and Santayana.