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Rationalist International
| Purpose | Represent rationalism wherever public opinion/decisions are formed[1] |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Helsinki, Finland[1] |
Region | World-wide |
| Products | Rationalist International bulletin, Books, and other multi-media programmes[1] |
| Services | Conferences, lectures, youth camps, and workshops[1] |
| Fields | Rationalism |
President | Sanal Edamaruku[1] |
| Website | rationalists |
Rationalist International is an organization with the stated aim to represent a rational view of the world, making the voice of reason heard and considered where public opinion is formed and decisions are made.
Rationalism
Rationalism is an attitude that accepts the primacy of reason and aims to establish a system of philosophy and ethics verifiable by experience, independent of all arbitrary assumptions of authority.
Rationalist International argues for a logical approach to human problems, suggests alternatives to religious dogma, defends freedom of thought and civil liberties and strives for the secularization of politics (see secular humanism), society and educational systems. Rationalists counter superstition, aim to promote an open and just society, endorse the scientific method and recognize the importance of human emotions and imagination.
History
Rationalist International was founded in December 1995 during the First International Rationalist Conference at New Delhi, with delegates from 28 countries. Sanal Edamaruku, then Secretary General of the Indian Rationalist Association, became the first president of the new international organization.
In January 2000, Rationalist International organized the Second International Conference at Trivandrum, Kerala, in which prominent rationalist thinkers from different parts of the world opened the discussion about the Rationalist Agenda for the new century. Paul Kurtz (founder, Center for Inquiry, USA) received the 1st International Rationalist Award during this conference.
The Third International Rationalist Conference was held at New Delhi in 2002. Jim Herrick (Director of Rationalist Press Association, UK) received the 2nd International Rationalist Award.
Honorary Associates include: Dr. Pieter Admiraal (The Netherlands), Prof. Mike Archer (Australia), Katsuaki Asai (Japan), Prof. Colin Blakemore (UK), Dr. Bill Cooke (New Zealand), Dr. Helena Cronin (UK), Prof. Richard Dawkins (UK), Jan Loeb Eisler (USA), Tom Flynn (USA), Jim Herrick (UK), Ellen Johnson (USA), Dr. Richard Leakey (Kenya), Iain Middleton (New Zealand), Dr. Taslima Nasreen (Bangladesh), Steinar Nilsen (Norway), Prof. Jean-Claude Pecker (France), James Randi (USA), Prof. Ajoy Roy (Bangladesh), Dr. Younus Shaikh (Pakistan), Barbara Smoker (UK), Richard Stallman (USA), Prof. nl:Rob Tielman (The Netherlands), David Tribe (Australia), K. Veeramani (India), Barry Williams (Australia), Prof. Richard Wiseman (UK), Prof. Lewis Wolpert (UK), Andrzaj Koraszewski (Poland), Małgorzata Koraszewska (Poland) and Maryam Namazie (Iran).
Former Honorary Associates include: Sir Hermann Bondi (deceased, UK), Prof. Vern Bullough (deceased, USA), Joseph Edamaruku (deceased, India), Pekka Elo (deceased, Finland), Prof. Antony Flew (deceased, UK), Christopher Hitchens (deceased, USA), Prof. Paul Kurtz (USA), Lavanam (deceased, India), Dr. Henry Morgentaler (Canada), Harry Stopes-Roe (deceased, UK), and Dr. G N Jyoti Shankar (deceased, USA).
Rationalist Bulletins
The internet-based news bulletin of Rationalist International has wide circulation around the world. It appears in English, Finnish, French, German and Spanish.
See also
- Freethought Association of Canada
- Maharashtra Rationalist Association