I don't doubt there is a legacy of anti-humanist paganism, but there is also the same in the Judeo-Christian tradition. Whilst I remain unconvinced of either argument, Peter Gay does present a far more convincing (and I may add, a far better referenced) argument that either Habermas or Nietzsche. If you do get a chance I thoroughly recommend checking it out.
Personally I don't think that secular humanism comes from either Judeo-Christian or a pagan tradition. Rather I would suggest it is something achievable across cultures but found its expression in the European environment more due to technological development (particularly communications technology) that any other reason.
Re: ...
Date: 2009-09-14 10:52 pm (UTC)Personally I don't think that secular humanism comes from either Judeo-Christian or a pagan tradition. Rather I would suggest it is something achievable across cultures but found its expression in the European environment more due to technological development (particularly communications technology) that any other reason.