French Literature Reviews - 2026

T. Davies, Humanism
Philosophy, Anthropology and Ideas

Tony DAVIES, Humanism

New York, Routledge, 2008, 176 p.
EAN : 9780415420655

ABSTRACT

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 for 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 engaging discussions, this volume is essential reading for anyone approaching the study of humanism, post-humanism or critical theory.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction: Towards a Definition of Humanism 1. The Invention of Humanity 2. From Humanism to Antihumanism 3. Humanists Before Humanism 4. Humanism and Enlightenment 5. The End of Humanism Glossary. References and Related Reading. Index

BIOGRAPHY

Tony Davies was formerly Professor and Head of the English Department at the University of Birmingham, from which he recently retired. He has edited Milton's poetry and prose, and written on Renaissance and modern literature, literary theory and the teaching of English.

The trajectory of humanism spans centuries of intellectual history, shifting across literary, cultural and political landscapes from the Renaissance through the Enlightenment and into contemporary debates. As a central concept in Western thought, it has continually been redefined, challenged and adapted by philosophers, writers and political movements. The interplay between classical traditions and modern critiques forms a major strand in intellectual history, where thinkers continually reevaluate the nature of agency, reason and subjectivity in changing technological and social contexts.

Tony Davies wrote Humanism, which provides an introduction to the many uses of the concept across history, including a comprehensive history of the term, theories of post-humanism, cybernetics and artificial intelligence, and discussions of key figures such as Erasmus, Milton, Chomsky, Heidegger and Foucault. The volume includes chapters on the invention of humanity, humanism to antihumanism, humanists before humanism, humanism and enlightenment, and the end of humanism, alongside a glossary and further reading. Readers interested in the history of ideas and critical theory may find this overview useful for understanding these evolving theoretical frameworks.