NY Philosopher, Popular Skeptic Kurtz Dies At 86

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October 22, 2012 03:21 PM

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Paul Kurtz, Chairman of the Center for Inquiry, responds to a question during an interview in his office in Amherst, N.Y. Kurtz, the secular humanist philosopher died Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012 at his home in the Buffalo suburb of Amherst, N.Y. His death was announced Monday, Oct. 22, by the Center for Inquiry, which he founded.

Paul Kurtz, who sought to debunk psychics, astrologers and anything related to the paranormal, has died. He was 86.

The secular humanist philosopher died Saturday at his home in the Buffalo suburb of Amherst. His death was announced Monday by the Center for Inquiry, which he founded. His family isn't releasing the cause.

Kurtz founded the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry and The Skeptical Inquirer magazine, which advocates relying on science and reason to examine everything from alien sightings to homeopathic remedies.

He also was a well-known voice for the idea that decisions and behavior should be guided by science and reason over religion.

A World War II veteran, Kurtz earned a doctorate in philosophy at Columbia University and taught philosophy at several colleges.