The Transcendental Temptation by Paul Kurtz
A landmark work. Mandatory reading for anyone who wants to learn to be a good skeptic. In this widely acclaimed and highly controversial book, Paul Kurtz examines the reasons why people accept supernatural and paranormal belief systems in spite of substantial evidence to the contrary. According to the author, it is because there is within the human species a deeply rooted tendency toward magical thinking - the transcendental temptation - which undermines critical judgment and paves the way for willful beliefs. He explores in detail the three major monotheistic religions - Judaism, Christianity, and Islam - finding striking psychological and sociological parallels between these religions, the spiritualism of the 19th century, and the paranormal belief systems of today. There are sections on mysticism, belief in the afterlife, the existence of God, reincarnation, astrology, and ufology. Kurtz also explains the nature of skepticism as an antidote to belief in the transcendental.Paul Kurtz is an emeritus professor of philosophy at SUNY Buffalo. Dr. Kurtz, dubbed the Father of Secular Humanism, is the editor-in-chief of the magazine Free Inquiry and a member of the Skeptical Inquirer's editorial board.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9780879756451 |
| ISBN 10 | 0879756454 |
| Title | The Transcendental Temptation |
| Author | Paul Kurtz |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | Prometheus Books |
| Year published | 1991-03-01 |
| Number of pages | 610 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |