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 anew glossary and further reading section. Withclear explanations and poignant discussions, this volume is essential reading for anyone approaching the study of humanism, post-humanism or critical theory.