Overview

In the tradition of Voltaire's Philosophical Dictionary, Ambrose Bierce's Devil's Dictionary, and Joseph McCabe's Rationalist Encyclopaedia, this accessible dictionary addresses the contemporary need for a reference book that succinctly summarises the key concepts, current terminology, and major contributions of influential thinkers broadly associated with atheism, scepticism, and humanism. In the preface, author Bill Cooke notes that his work is intended ""for freethinkers in the broadest sense of the word: people who like to think for themselves and not according to the pre-planned routes set by others."" This dictionary will serve as a guide for all those people striving to lead fulfilling, morally responsible lives without religious belief. Readers are offered a wide range of concepts, from ancient, well-known notions such as God, free will, and evil to new concepts such as 'eupraxsophy'. Also included are current 'buzzwords' that have some bearing on the freethought worldview such as 'metrosexual'. The names of many people whose lives or work reflect free thought principles form a major portion of the entries. Finally, a humanist calendar is included, on which events of interest to freethinkers are noted. This unique, accessible, and highly informative work will be a welcome addition to the libraries of open-minded people of all philosophic persuasions.

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9781591022992

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[B]elongs in every thinker's (or freethinker's) reference library. Free Inquiry [F]ills a void in the reference literature of religion by focusing on atheism, skepticism, and humanism....the work should be purchased by libraries serving seminaries and other religious institutions and by academic libraries that support programs in religion or philosophy. American Reference Books Annual [A]n indispensable research tool for all nonbelievers and scholars in the field of religion.... displays an impressive grasp of the field. Michael Martin Professor of Philosophy Emeritus Boston University

[B]elongs in every thinker's (or freethinker's) reference library. <br>Free Inquiry<br><br> [F]ills a void in the reference literature of religion by focusing on atheism, skepticism, and humanism....the work should be purchased by libraries serving seminaries and other religious institutions and by academic libraries that support programs in religion or philosophy. <br>American Reference Books Annual<br><br> [A]n indispensable research tool for all nonbelievers and scholars in the field of religion.... displays an impressive grasp of the field. <br>Michael Martin<br>Professor of Philosophy Emeritus<br>Boston University

[B]elongs in every thinker's (or freethinker's) reference library. Free Inquiry [F]ills a void in the reference literature of religion by focusing on atheism, skepticism, and humanism....the work should be purchased by libraries serving seminaries and other religious institutions and by academic libraries that support programs in religion or philosophy. American Reference Books Annual [A]n indispensable research tool for all nonbelievers and scholars in the field of religion.... displays an impressive grasp of the field. Michael Martin Professor of Philosophy Emeritus Boston University

Author Information

Bill Cooke, an independent scholar, is author of A Dictionary of Atheism, Skepticism, and Humanism; The Gathering of Infidels: A Hundred Years of the Rationalist Press Association; and A Rebel to His Last Breath: Joseph McCabe and Rationalism, among other books and articles. He was also senior lecturer at the School of Visual Arts, University of Auckland at Manukau from 1996 to 2008.

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