humanism

Created: 2023-01-30
Status: #soil
Foundation:
Project:
Topic: self-improvement faith religion Ethics

What is humanism?

Humanism is a philosophical and ethical stance that emphasises the value and agency of human beings, individually and collectively. The meaning of the term humanism has fluctuated according to the successive intellectual movements which have identified with it. Generally, however, humanism refers to a perspective that affirms some notion of human freedom and progress. It views humans as solely responsible for the promotion and development of their own lives and that of others on earth. It does not, however, impose any distinct ideological outlook on its adherents.

Humanism stands for the advancement of humanity through knowledge, understanding, reason, appreciation of beauty, individual freedom and responsibility, compassion for others, commitment to justice and peace. Humanists see individuals as responsible for their own decisions in life; they believe in personal growth through continuous learning; they prioritise reason over faith or superstition; they espouse free inquiry through science; they are committed to equal rights; they reject discrimination based on race or gender; they embrace freedom of thought and expression; they are committed to the pursuit of truth through logic and evidence-based reasoning; they advocate a moral code that is based on natural law rather than religious dogma or authority.

Humanists seek to lead meaningful lives guided by personal values based on solid ethical principles such as justice and fairness rather than relying on an external source such as religious texts. They also strive to lead fulfilling lives in harmony with nature while exploring their full potential as humans. Humanists seek to develop a moral code that promotes ecological sustainability and social justice while respecting individual autonomy.

Founders of humanistic thought

The roots of modern humanistic thought can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome. In the 19th century, the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche and the English poet Percy Bysshe Shelley both wrote extensively about humanism, though their ideas were not widely accepted at the time.

In 1933, a group of academics in Europe founded a movement called "The Humanist Manifesto" which declared that "the world has passed beyond the point where the supernatural and metaphysical have any significant place in human life." This statement marked the first time that humanism was formally codified as a set of beliefs.

In 1952, Humanist Manifesto II was released, which expanded on the original manifesto and affirmed a commitment to individual autonomy and ethical behaviour. This document also outlined specific principles that humanists should strive to uphold, such as freedom of thought, freedom of expression, respect for diversity and equality of opportunity.

Humanistic thought has since been developed by many philosophers and thinkers throughout history. Notable figures include John Locke (1632-1704), Immanuel Kant (1724-1804), Søren Kierkegaard (1813-55) Jean-Paul Sartre (1905-80), Aldous Huxley (1894-1963), Albert Camus (1913-60) and many others who have contributed to this school of thought.

List of humanist organisations active today

Today, there are a number of organisations that promote humanistic values and philosophy.

The American Humanist Association (AHA) is the oldest and largest humanist organisation in the US, founded in 1941. It promotes the spread of humanism through education and advocacy.

The International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU) is a global union of organisations that promote humanism, secularism and ethical values. The IHEU has consultative status at the United Nations, allowing it to contribute to debates on global issues such as poverty, health care reform and nuclear disarmament.

The Humanist Society Scotland (HSS) is an educational charity dedicated to promoting humanism in Scotland. The HSS works with schools, universities and other organisations to provide advice on how to support young people who identify as humanists or who are exploring their own beliefs.

The British Humanist Association (BHA) is a national charity that works to promote understanding of atheism and secularism in the UK. It campaigns for equality in access to services such as education for all regardless of religion or belief.