Humanist beliefs and values are as old as civilization and have a history in most societies around the world. Modern humanism is the culmination of these long traditions of reasoning about meaning and ethics, the source of inspiration for many of the world’s great thinkers, artists, and humanitarians, and is interwoven with the rise of modern science. As a global humanist movement, we seek to make all people aware of these essentials of the humanist worldview:
1. Humanists strive to be ethical
We accept that morality is inherent to the human condition, grounded in the ability of living things to suffer and flourish, motivated by the benefits of helping and not harming, enabled by reason and compassion, and needing no source outside of humanity.
We affirm the worth and dignity of the individual and the right of every human to the greatest possible freedom and fullest possible development compatible with the rights of others. To these ends we support peace, democracy, the rule of law, and universal legal human rights.
We reject all forms of racism and prejudice and the injustices that arise from them. We seek instead to promote the flourishing and fellowship of humanity in all its diversity and individuality.
We hold that personal liberty must be combined with a responsibility to society. A free person has duties to others, and we feel a duty of care to all of humanity, including future generations, and beyond this to all sentient beings.
We recognise that we are part of nature and accept our responsibility for the impact we have on the rest of the natural world.
2. Humanists strive to be rational
We are convinced that the solutions to the world’s problems lie in human reason, and action. We advocate the application of science and free inquiry to these problems, remembering that while science provides the means, human values must define the ends. We seek to use science and technology to enhance human well-being, and never callously or destructively.
3. Humanists strive for fulfillment in their lives
We value all sources of individual joy and fulfillment that harm no other, and we believe that personal development through the cultivation of creative and ethical living is a lifelong undertaking.
We therefore treasure artistic creativity and imagination and recognise the transforming power of literature, music, and the visual and performing arts. We cherish the beauty of the natural world and its potential to bring wonder, awe, and tranquility. We appreciate individual and communal exertion in physical activity, and the scope it offers for comradeship and achievement. We esteem the quest for knowledge, and the humility, wisdom, and insight it bestows.
Happiness and Wellbeing
4. Humanism meets the widespread demand for a source of meaning and purpose to stand as an alternative to dogmatic religion, authoritarian nationalism, tribal sectarianism, and selfish nihilism
Though we believe that a commitment to human well-being is ageless, our particular opinions are not based on revelations fixed for all time. Humanists recognise that no one is infallible or omniscient, and that knowledge of the world and of humankind can be won only through a continuing process of observation, learning, and rethinking.
For these reasons, we seek neither to avoid scrutiny nor to impose our view on all humanity. On the contrary, we are committed to the unfettered expression and exchange of ideas, and seek to cooperate with people of different beliefs who share our values, all in the cause of building a better world.
We are confident that humanity has the potential to solve the problems that confront us, through free inquiry, science, sympathy, and imagination in the furtherance of peace and human flourishing.
We call upon all who share these convictions to join us in this inspiring endeavor.
>“non-doctrinal” view which means … ? So given a consensus view on a solution proposal, how do humanists coalesce together to deliver or implement the solution proposal? With or without religious followers? How is a humanism pragmatic and not simply an approach to inquiry?
Relation to Science
Events
Further Research
Morality and the need to do Good without a God - Humanist Morality Rationale
Humanists believe in a rational and ethical approach to life that does not rely on the concept of a divine being. They derive their moral code from human reason, empathy, and the well-being of humanity. Here’s how humanists justify caring for others and maintaining a sense of morality:
Human Reason and Empathy: Humanists believe that humans are capable of understanding and applying ethical principles through reason and empathy. They argue that since we are social beings, our actions have consequences on others, and it is in our collective interest to act ethically.
Human Flourishing: Humanists focus on making this life meaningful and fulfilling. They believe that living a good life involves helping others and contributing positively to society. This sense of purpose comes from the desire to improve the human condition and create a better world for all.
Scientific Method and Evidence: Humanists trust in the scientific method and evidence to understand the world and make decisions. This approach helps in identifying what actions are beneficial and harmful to individuals and society.
Universal Human Qualities: Humanists recognize that certain qualities like rationality, empathy, and the ability to understand consequences are universal among humans. These qualities form the basis for a shared moral framework that can be objectively applied across different cultures and individuals.
Social Responsibility: Humanists emphasize the importance of social responsibility and the impact of one’s actions on others. They believe in creating a society where individuals can thrive and contribute positively, fostering a sense of community and mutual support.
Respect for Human Dignity: Humanists respect the dignity and worth of every individual, recognizing that all humans have the capacity for reason and the ability to make moral choices. This respect forms the foundation for treating others with fairness and compassion.
In summary, humanists maintain a sense of morality based on human reason, empathy, and the desire to improve and support human well-being, without the need for a belief in a divine being.
Humanism and pacifism are interconnected through their shared emphasis on ethical and moral principles. Humanists, who advocate for rationality and compassion, often support pacifism as a means to resolve conflicts without resorting to violence. For example, the Rationalist Peace Society, established in 1910 by Hypatia Bradlaugh Bonner and J.M. Robertson, aimed to promote peace through rationalist lines, challenging the notion that anti-war work was solely the domain of religious groups
Pacifists from various backgrounds, including humanists, argue against the use of violence and advocate for peaceful methods to resolve conflicts. They believe that the moral law should apply equally to nations and individuals, and that law should be valued higher than war This perspective aligns with humanist values that emphasize reason, ethics, and justice over religious or nationalist ideologies.
Moreover, historical figures such as French philosophers Pierre Bayle, Voltaire, and Denis Diderot, and revolutionary writer Thomas Paine, have contributed to the humanist and rationalist tradition of advocating for peace and pacifism
In summary, humanism and pacifism share a commitment to ethical principles and the belief that conflicts can and should be resolved through peaceful means rather than violence.
Conflict or cooperation? How should humanists engage with religion?
..to what end?
It often seems that humanism is ineradicably intertwined with religion, reacting against it and defining itself in opposition. Is this inevitable or desirable and on what terms should that engagement occur?
No - it should not be inevitable
Humanism should try to envision a world without religion and champion that - seeking for change via government
Contemporary humanists are often keen to distance themselves from the “angry atheists”, those who actively denounce and attack the ideas and societal influence of religion.
Why take an absolute position on something - seems like the question of whether god exists is unproductive
We frequently hear the assertion that it is better to engage constructively, even work with, members of religious communities and some of its institutions, on the basis that dialogue is better than dispute.
YES!
Anecdotally, many humanists do feel that a more ‘moderate’ approach is preferable for several reasons: it allows for reasoned discussion with some religious people; it avoids unnecessary conflict; it allays fears that humanists are extreme or threatening; and it’s just easier and less stressful to be a consensus humanist.
Sounds like me!
But is it really fair to characterise criticism of religion as being dogmatic? Isn’t the very term “angry atheist” just a pejorative developed by the opponents of atheism and secularism in order to undermine those who quite reasonably choose to exercise their freedom of speech to robustly and directly expose religion’s many flaws and misdemeanours?
Don’t be brought down to the level of those that seek conflict over cooperation
Or is the very tendency to focus on religion a valid and productive approach for humanists? Much of the campaigning efforts of Humanists UK is targeted at opposing religious privilege. Some say that this is at the neglect of developing a more positive vision for humanism as a philosophy and social movement in its own right?
Yup - I agree with the bit in bold
They would prefer it to stress the importance of social justice with a focus on tackling prejudice and inequities. So where should we strike the balance and what tone should we adopt?
is humanism just about social justice or is it about other things?
rationalism
pragmatism
…
Fluffy or spiky, antireligious or pro social justice?
Or is this a false dichotomy, can we actually effectively criticise religion without being “militant” and also stand up for good values?
define what humanists consider good values
then seek to change the masses - including via education
religion is just a hurdle - one of many to conquer
ignorance - a result of poor education and educational systems is the bigger evil
corrupt politicians have used religion in their favour in the past and are perhaps the root cause for so many ills in the world
Recognise conflict exists
Areas of Agreement
Areas of Disagreement
debate in whether a god exists or not is futile and unproductive - agree to disagree
disagreements will probably / hopefully dissolve over the long term as people & communities get better educated and self assured and can be more objective
Recognise humanism does not excel in certain societal needs as compared to religion
Religions provide a sense of community, shared rituals, and a framework for moral and ethical behavior that can be deeply rooted in tradition and personal belief.
These elements can foster a strong sense of belonging and identity, which humanism, as a non-religious philosophy, does not inherently provide.23
Religions also offer a structured approach to addressing existential questions and providing comfort during difficult times, such as through prayer, meditation, and communal support.
Humanism, while emphasizing reason and compassion, does not offer the same kind of structured, communal support systems that many religions provide.
Cooperate on areas where agreement exits
Appeal to rational methods and reason - if / when appropriate
levels of education in masses
social engineered to follow vs think rationally
Be open to faith / religious methods >> means to an end?
Ep4: Migration across national boundaries thereby becoming an “Alien” #Diversity_&_Multiculturalism Sentientism and do Humanist become Vegans? If so, it becomes a doctrine?
One Life - Intro and Overview of Humanism course - materials
