The Transcendental Temptation

A Critique of Religion and the Paranormal

Paul Kurtz

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English

Prometheus
15 September 2013

Philosophy; Religion & beliefs; Religion & science; History of ideas; Philosophy of science; Impact of science & technology on society

"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 judgement 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."

By: Paul Kurtz
Imprint: Prometheus
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 220mm, Width: 152mm, Spine: 33mm
Weight: 839g
ISBN: 9781616148270
ISBN 10: 1616148276
Pages: 516
Publication Date: 15 September 2013
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Paul Kurtz (1925-2012), professor emeritus of philosophy at the State University of New York at Buffalo and a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, was the author or editor of more than fifty books, including The Transcendental Temptation, The Courage to Become, and Embracing the Power of Humanism, plus nine hundred articles and reviews. He was the founder and chairman of the Center for Inquiry, the Council for Secular Humanism, and the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry. He appeared on many major television and radio talk shows and has lectured at universities worldwide.

Reviews for The Transcendental Temptation: A Critique of Religion and the Paranormal

If everybody on the planet read this book, the world would be a better place, thanks to Paul. -Michael Shermer, author of The Believing Brain Well-written, readable, and carefully researched compendium of the skeptical challenge and position. . . . This is a must. - Choice A very important book ... clearly written and forcefully argued. - Journal of the American Academy of Religion