Paul Kurtz

Paul Kurtz – Life, Philosophy, and Lasting Influence

Discover the life, work, and legacy of American philosopher Paul Kurtz (1925–2012)—a leading voice in secular humanism, scientific skepticism, and the philosophy of a life guided by reason and ethics.

Introduction

Paul Kurtz (December 21, 1925 – October 20, 2012) was an American philosopher, writer, and activist best known as one of the principal founders of secular humanism and scientific skepticism.

Over his career, Kurtz founded or led key organizations—such as the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, the Council for Secular Humanism, and the Center for Inquiry—and published extensively on the role of reason, ethics, and naturalism in human life.

His work continues to influence philosophers, humanists, skeptics, and public intellectuals who seek a worldview grounded in rational inquiry and human values.

Early Life and Family

Kurtz was born Paul Winter Kurtz in Newark, New Jersey, into a secular Jewish family.

Growing up in a milieu where religious identity was not dominant, Kurtz developed an early interest in philosophy, ethics, and secular frameworks of meaning. His formative experiences—especially during and after World War II—shaped his skepticism toward ideology and dogma.

Youth, Education, and Military Experience

Kurtz earned his BA in philosophy from New York University in 1948. Columbia University, obtaining his MA and PhD by 1952.

At NYU, Kurtz studied under Sidney Hook, a disciple of American pragmatism (notably John Dewey). The pragmatist tradition would influence Kurtz’s philosophical orientation toward ethics, naturalism, and the humanistic project.

During World War II, Kurtz served in the U.S. Army. Following the liberation of concentration camps, he witnessed firsthand the horrors of Nazi Germany, including Buchenwald and Dachau. Those experiences contributed significantly to his disillusionment with extreme ideologies (such as communism) and fortified his commitment to reason, humanism, and moral responsibility.

Academic Career and Institutions

Teaching and Academic Posts

After completing his doctoral studies, Kurtz taught at a number of institutions:

• Trinity College (Connecticut) (1952–1959)

• Union College, New York (from 1961 to 1965)

• State University of New York at Buffalo (SUNY Buffalo) from 1965 to 1991, where he became Professor Emeritus of Philosophy

• He also held visiting or adjunct affiliations at the New School for Social Research, Vassar College, and other institutions.

At Buffalo, Kurtz was influential not just as a teacher but also as a hub for humanist and skeptical activity, mentoring students and organizing intellectual forums.

Founding Key Organizations

Kurtz’s institutional legacy is vast. He founded or co-founded several major organizations aimed at promoting rational inquiry, secular humanism, and critical thinking:

• Prometheus Books (founded 1969) — a publishing house specialized in secular, humanist, skeptical, and scientific perspectives.

• Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP) — later renamed Committee for Skeptical Inquiry (CSI).

• Council for Secular Humanism (founded 1980)

• Center for Inquiry (CFI) (founded 1991) — which united CSICOP and the Council for Secular Humanism under one umbrella organization.

• Institute for Science and Human Values (ISHV) — established by Kurtz in 2009 as an independent vehicle advancing humanist, rationalist, and ethical perspectives.

Kurtz also served as co-chair of the International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU) from 1986 to 1994.

Through these institutions, Kurtz built networks, journals, conferences, and platforms for public engagement of humanism and skepticism.

Philosophical Vision & Core Contributions

Paul Kurtz’s intellectual project revolved around several interlocking themes: secular humanism, scientific skepticism, naturalism, and the development of a nonreligious but morally robust worldview.

Secular Humanism

Kurtz is often called “the father of secular humanism.”

His approach emphasized that human beings can lead meaningful, morally responsible lives without recourse to supernatural belief.

Scientific Skepticism

Kurtz was deeply committed to the critical examination of claims, especially those involving paranormal, supernatural, or pseudoscientific assertions.

He distinguished between different “kinds” of skepticism. In particular, he promoted what he called “skepticism of the third kind” — not mere passive doubt, but active investigation of paranormal and extraordinary claims using rational, empirical standards.

One of his most influential works, The Transcendental Temptation: A Critique of Religion and the Paranormal (1986), scrutinizes the claims of prophets, mysticism, paranormal phenomena, and religion through the lens of reason and evidence.

Naturalism and “Eupraxsophy”

Kurtz coined the term eupraxsophy (originally “eupraxophy”) to describe a life stance similar to religion in scope but entirely nonreligious. It emphasizes rational, ethical living without appeal to the supernatural.

An eupraxsophy, in Kurtz’s use, is a comprehensive life philosophy (like secular humanism, Confucianism, or Taoism) grounded in naturalism, reason, and the pursuit of human well-being.

Ethics, Meaning, and Affirmation of Life

Although critical of supernatural religion, Kurtz was not a nihilist. He argued for an affirmative philosophy of life — that is, a worldview which embraces joy, creativity, human solidarity, and moral aspirations grounded in natural values.

He sought to craft a positive humanism that could anchor ethics, meaning, and purpose without divine authority.

Major Works

Kurtz’s prolific output includes over 800 articles and more than 50 books. Some of his most significant publications include:

• The Transcendental Temptation: A Critique of Religion and the Paranormal, 1986

• In Defense of Secular Humanism, 1983

• Exuberance: An Affirmative Philosophy of Life, 1978

• Skepticism and Humanism: The New Paradigm, 2001

• A Secular Humanist Declaration, 1980

• Embracing the Power of Humanism, 2000

• Living Without Religion: Eupraxophy, 1994

His works span critique, philosophy of religion, ethics, skepticism, and humanist manifestos.

Legacy, Influence & Critiques

Institutional and Cultural Legacy

Kurtz’s institutional creations—Prometheus Books, CSI, CFI, ISHV—continue to be central to the global humanist and skeptical movements.

Many humanist organizations, skepticism conferences, journals, and outreach efforts trace their lineage to the foundations Kurtz laid.

The Paul Kurtz Lecture Series was established at SUNY Buffalo to honor his memory and to bring speakers focusing on humanism and naturalism.

Intellectual Influence

Kurtz’s insistence on separating belief from evidence, and his ethics rooted in reason and human value, influenced philosophers, public intellectuals, and secular activists worldwide.

His concept of eupraxsophy offers a middle path between religious worldviews and pure scientism, influencing contemporary discussions on how to live meaningfully without relying on supernatural claims.

Critiques and Tensions

Because Kurtz’s approach urged dialogue rather than antagonism, tensions sometimes arose within the secular/humanist community. In 2010, he resigned from many of his leadership roles in the Center for Inquiry, amid disputes over institutional direction and management.

Some critics argue that Kurtz’s balance-seeking approach was too conciliatory toward religion, particularly compared to more militant or confrontational secular voices.

Nevertheless, his legacy remains robust, and his life offers a model of thoughtful, principled, and engaged humanism.

Personality, Style & Philosophical Character

From descriptions and interviews, several traits stand out in Kurtz’s character:

• Reasoned and Diplomatic: Even as he challenged religious dogma and superstition, Kurtz often emphasized respectful dialogue and maintaining bridges rather than deep antagonism.

• Morally Serious: He took ethics seriously, believing that a secular life must still ground moral commitment, social responsibility, and human solidarity.

• Public-Engaging: Kurtz was not confined to academia—he published for general audiences, engaged in debates, and helped structure institutions for public intellectual exchange.

• Persistent Vision: Across decades, Kurtz maintained consistency in advocating for humanist ideals, even when popular tides shifted.

Selected Quotes

Here are a few representative quotes (or paraphrases) that capture Kurtz’s voice and philosophical orientation:

• “Human beings can lead meaningful lives without recourse to the supernatural.” (Summarizing his humanist conviction)

• “My task is not to debunk faith, but to promote a deeper trust in reason, ethics, and human responsibility.” (Reflecting his constructive rather than purely critical approach)

• “The transcendental temptation is ever-present; our task is to resist it through reason, evidence, and moral clarity.” (On his critique of religious and paranormal claims)

• “Eupraxsophy offers a life of purpose grounded in nature, not in the supernatural.” (On his coined concept)

Because many of his writings appear in essays and books, these statements may appear in varied formulations in his published work.

Lessons from Paul Kurtz

From Kurtz’s life and work, several enduring lessons emerge:

1. Build institutions, not just ideas
   Ideas alone are fragile. Kurtz recognized that durable impact demands institutions—publishing houses, journals, skeptical organizations—to give ideas traction and continuity.

2. Ethics without divinity is not a contradiction
   Kurtz insisted that moral frameworks can be grounded in human empathy, reason, and shared values—without needing a divine foundation.

3. Skepticism should be active, not passive
   As championed in his “skepticism of the third kind,” critical inquiry is not enough without engagement—testing, investigating, and challenging claims.

4. Bridge rather than barricade
   Even when rejecting religious belief, Kurtz valued dialogue and engagement over alienation. His style shows that critique and respect need not be enemies.

5. Sustain hope in a secular worldview
   Kurtz’s emphasis on exuberance, celebration of life, and human potential underscores that secularism need not be dour, but can be uplifting.

Conclusion

Paul Kurtz remains a towering figure in the modern landscape of secular humanism, skepticism, and philosophy. His life demonstrates that one can rigorously question supernatural claims while still affirming the moral dignity, creativity, and worth of human life.

His institutions continue to nurture new generations of thinkers, while his writings offer a roadmap for how to live thoughtfully, ethically, and joyfully in a world shaped by reason.