Reason, Social Myths, and Democracy (Great Books in Philosophy) - Softcover

Sidney Hook

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0879756721 ISBN 13: 9780879756727

Publisher: Prometheus, 1991

Synopsis

Offers a critique of 'scientifically inadequate ways of belief'. Reviewing the powerful ideas of Christianity, mythology, Marxism, nationalism, democracy, and other belief systems, the author remains firm in his conviction that no such system can long survive if it resists the rational dictate of true scientific method.

About this title

Synopsis:

In this fascinating work, Sidney Hook critiques "scientifically inadequate ways of belief" in the hope that, if we recognise the ways in which they are confused with "genuinely scientific ways of belief", society will be better positioned to assess rationally the social, political, and economic belief systems that vie for our allegiance. In reviewing the powerful ideas of Christianity, mythology, Marxism, nationalism, democracy, and other belief systems, Hook remains firm in his conviction that no such system can long survive if it resists the rational dictate of true scientific method - testing and reformulating beliefs based upon the ability to reach concrete solutions to human problems.

About the Author:

Sidney Hook (1902-1989) was professor emeritus at New York University and a senior research fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University. Among his many books are Convictions; Paradoxes of Freedom; The Quest for Being; Reason, Social Myths, and Democracy; and an autobiography, Out of Step: An Unquiet Life in the 20th Century.

About this edition

• Publisher: Prometheus
• Publication date: 1991
• ISBN 10: 0879756721
• ISBN 13: 9780879756727
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 316