Ken Plummer is Emeritus Professor of Sociology at the University of Essex.

‘[R]efreshing: [Plummer’s] vision of critical humanism is aspirational and ambitious, yet it strives to sustain humility based on historical experiences.’Social Forces‘This book is an extraordinarily brave and enormously comprehensive attempt to re-energize an interest in the battered concept of humanism, fully realizing its author’s intention to provide “a vision of something better”.’Laurie Taylor, University of York, and presenter of Thinking Allowed, BBC Radio Four‘Plummer engages with an extraordinary range of different literatures and a lifetime of reflection to consider what it will take to be truly human in the twenty-first century. We should grapple seriously with his impassioned and challenging arguments.’Rob Stones, Western Sydney University‘Ken Plummer’s mission has been to expand the range and depth of decencies; here he seeks larger principles on which to ground mutual regard. This is a fundamental study – rooted in conscience, sociological learning and intimate generosity. Critical Humanism stirs the mind.’Harvey Molotch, New York University, and University of California, Santa Barbara

• List of tables and figures Acknowledgements IntroductionI Re-thinking the World: Connected Humanity1   Critical HumanismII Dehumanizing the World: Disconnected Humanity2     Damaging Humanity3     Dividing Humanity4     Traumatizing HumanityIII Humanizing the World: Flourishing Humanity5     Narrating Humanity6     Valuing Humanity7     Transforming HumanityIVTransforming the World: A Politics of Humanity 8 A Manifesto for the 21st Century Short Guide to Further RedingNotes Index

Ken Plummer is Emeritus Professor of Sociology at the University of Essex.

‘[R]efreshing: [Plummer’s] vision of critical humanism is aspirational and ambitious, yet it strives to sustain humility based on historical experiences.’Social Forces‘This book is an extraordinarily brave and enormously comprehensive attempt to re-energize an interest in the battered concept of humanism, fully realizing its author’s intention to provide “a vision of something better”.’Laurie Taylor, University of York, and presenter of Thinking Allowed, BBC Radio Four‘Plummer engages with an extraordinary range of different literatures and a lifetime of reflection to consider what it will take to be truly human in the twenty-first century. We should grapple seriously with his impassioned and challenging arguments.’Rob Stones, Western Sydney University‘Ken Plummer’s mission has been to expand the range and depth of decencies; here he seeks larger principles on which to ground mutual regard. This is a fundamental study – rooted in conscience, sociological learning and intimate generosity. Critical Humanism stirs the mind.’Harvey Molotch, New York University, and University of California, Santa Barbara

• List of tables and figures Acknowledgements IntroductionI Re-thinking the World: Connected Humanity1   Critical HumanismII Dehumanizing the World: Disconnected Humanity2     Damaging Humanity3     Dividing Humanity4     Traumatizing HumanityIII Humanizing the World: Flourishing Humanity5     Narrating Humanity6     Valuing Humanity7     Transforming HumanityIVTransforming the World: A Politics of Humanity 8 A Manifesto for the 21st Century Short Guide to Further RedingNotes Index