The New Critical Idiom

Definitions of humanism have evolved throughout the centuries as the term has been adopted for a variety of purposes – literary, cultural and political – and reactions against humanism have contributed to movements such as postmodernism and anti-humanism. Tony Davies offers a clear introduction to the many uses of this influential yet complex concept and this second edition extends his discussion to include:

• a comprehensive history of the development of the term and its influences
• theories of post-humanism, cybernetics and artificial intelligence
• implications of concepts of humanism and post-humanism on political and religious activism
• discussion of the key figures in humanist debate from Erasmus and Milton to Chomsky, Heidegger and Foucault
• a new glossary and further reading section.

With clear explanations and poignant discussions, this volume is essential reading for anyone approaching the study of humanism, post-humanism or critical theory.