"This is the most philosophically sophisticated and rigorous defense of atheism in the contemporary literature. Life After Faith provides an informed and responsible statement of the secular humanist viewpoint."-Gary Gutting, University of Notre Dame -- Gary Gutting "A brilliant and complete little book... tremendously impressive and illuminating."-James Wood, Harvard University -- James Wood "This book is a deeper and more convincing critique of traditional religious belief than anything written by the New Atheists. Kitcher deals conscientiously with every objection to secular humanism and shows why each one fails."-David A. Hollinger, author of After Cloven Tongues of Fire -- David Hollinger "Philip Kitcher has composed the most formidable defense of the secular view of life since Dewey. Unlike almost all of contemporary atheism, Life After Faith is utterly devoid of cartoons and caricatures of religion. It is, instead, a sober and soulful book, an exemplary practice of philosophical reflection. Scrupulous in its argument, elegant in its style, humane in its spirit, it is animated by a stirring aspiration to wisdom. Even as I quarrel with it I admire it."-Leon Wieseltier -- Leon Wieseltier "Philip Kitcher takes seriously the challenge of showing how, without a belief in the transcendent, we can still live lives that are rich with meaning, because they are thoroughly committed to the pursuit of what is good and beautiful and true."-Kwame Anthony Appiah, author of The Honor Code -- Kwame Anthony Appiah

Philip Kitcher is John Dewey Professor of Philosophy, Columbia University. He was the first recipient of the American Philosophical Association's Prometheus Prize for his work to expand the frontiers of science and philosophy. He is the author of many books, including most recently Deaths in Venice. He lives in New York City.