GOOD LIFE WITHOUT RELIGION: A PHILOSOPHICAL APPRAISAL OF THE VIRTUES OF HUMANISM IN PAUL KURTZ

Abstract

The ways and manners of life of human beings have continued to bother the minds of many scholars. Philosophers have tried to establish the possibility of the good life and also the best way to attain the good life. Generally, philosophers are of the view that the only way to the good life is through the virtuous life. Virtuous life is all about knowing and doing what is good or what is rationally permissible. Most philosophers and theologians are of the view that there is a possibility of living the good life. The humanist philosophers also conceive the good life as a possibility. Humanism concerns itself with the good and wellbeing of the human person from the point of view of natural light of reason. Religion is concerned with the good of the human beings with reference to God, gods or a deity. The pertinent questions now are: How do humanists and religionists conceive virtuous life? How can one live a good life or be virtuous? Does one need to believe in a transcendent being in order to live a good life or be virtuous? What is (are) the root cause (causes) of the virtuous life? Is there any necessary connection between virtuous life and belief in a transcendent God? Employing the method of philosophical analysis, this paper gives a detailed analysis on the virtues of humanism as argued by Paul Kurtz. Kurtz views virtuous life as the proper application of good practical wisdom. He observed that it is possible for one to lead a good life without any belief in a supernatural being. He therefore traced the source of the good life to human nature. This paper, therefore submits that the proper understanding and application of the basic virtues of humanism – courage, cognition and caring – will go a long way to restore the dignity of the human person as a rational being. More so, it will help the contemporary society to appreciate the fact that the good life need not be derived from any irrational, superstitious or theological principles.