Rationalist International


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

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, 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 received the 1st International Rationalist Award during this conference.
The Third International Rationalist Conference was held at New Delhi in 2002. Jim Herrick received the 2nd International Rationalist Award.
Honorary Associates include: Dr. :nl:Pieter Admiraal, Prof. Mike Archer, Katsuaki Asai, Prof. Colin Blakemore, Dr. Bill Cooke, Dr. Helena Cronin, Prof. Richard Dawkins, Jan Loeb Eisler, Tom Flynn, Jim Herrick, Ellen Johnson, Dr. Richard Leakey, Iain Middleton, Dr. Taslima Nasreen, Steinar Nilsen, Prof. Jean-Claude Pecker, James Randi, Prof. Ajoy Roy, Dr. Younus Shaikh, Barbara Smoker, Richard Stallman, Prof. :nl:Rob Tielman, David Tribe, K. Veeramani, Barry Williams, Prof. Richard Wiseman, Prof. Lewis Wolpert, Andrzaj Koraszewski, Małgorzata Koraszewska and Maryam Namazie.
Former Honorary Associates include: Sir Hermann Bondi, Prof. Vern Bullough, Joseph Edamaruku, Pekka Elo, Prof. Antony Flew, Christopher Hitchens, Prof. Paul Kurtz, Lavanam , Dr. Henry Morgentaler, Harry Stopes-Roe, and Dr. G N Jyoti Shankar.

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.