Encountering Naturalism: A Worldview and Its Uses

If we accept human beings as being simply part of nature, with no supernatural element such as a “soul”, then we probably subscribe to the philosophy of Naturalism. Now a down-to-earth little book explains this common sense approach to life, It is entitled Encountering Naturalism: A Worldview and Its Uses by Thomas W. Clark.

It is a concise companion to the recent spate of books about atheism from the likes of Dawkins, Onfray, Hitchens, Grayling et al.

If we really are just a collection of atoms, then what does life mean – if, indeed, it means anything? Where does morality come from? What does free will mean – and is there such a thing in nature? It’s a beautifully-written little book in straightforward language that attempts to help us make sense of our place in the universe. Its insights will have you nodding in agreement, and that little light marked “Eureka” will be flashing continuously as you read. All people who aspire to live in a world where the supernatural exists only in stories will love this book.”

"This little book takes all those deep questions about life, meaning, purpose and death, and shows how you don't need religion to make sense of them – indeed how the naturalist way of thinking about the deepest issues is kinder and truer." – Dr. Susan Blackmore, author of The Meme Machine and Conversations on Consciousness. (U.S. Import – Not available in UK stores) Price: £6.99 plus £1 p&p. Order securely on-line at www.secularism.org.uk or by post from NSS Books, 25 Red Lion Square, London WC1R 4RL.

27 June 2008