1. Making Sense

2. Beliefs

3. Meaning

4. Values

5. Communities

6. Politics

7. Conclusion

Richard Norman, BA (Cantab), PhD (London), is a British academic, philosopher and humanist. He is Emeritus Professor of Moral Philosophy at the University of Kent, where he spent most of his career, and a patron of Humanists UK.

Religious belief is declining in many parts of the world, yet people still seek purpose in their lives and guidance on how to navigate life's challenges. Humanism is a broad tradition of thought and action which encourages thinking for yourself about what to believe and accommodating diversity. What is the purpose of humanism in an increasingly secular world?

Written by a pre-eminent authority in this field, this book shows how humanism's purpose is to help people to meet their need to understand the world around them. Given the growing demand for humanist funerals, weddings and baby naming ceremonies, it will help both existing adherents and the "humanism-curious" to contextualise its potential role in making sense of their lives.