Humanists of Washington |
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What is Humanism? |
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SECULAR HUMANISM is a rational, non-theistic, naturalistic philosophy
which supports intellectual freedom, free inquiry, self-responsibility,
and scientific progress for the benefit of humankind. When applied to
everyday decision-making, Secular Humanism provides a foundation for
ethical conduct and human compassion in an otherwise indifferent
universe. Secular: "Worldly rather than spiritual, not pertaining to religion.
Secularism is the view that consideration of the present well-being of [human]kind
should predominate over religious considerations in civil affairs and
public education!' Humanism: "An attitude concerned primarily with human
beings and their values, capacities, and achievements!" "Any system of thought or action based on the nature, dignity,
interests, and ideals of humanity. Specifically, a modern, non-theistic,
rational movement which holds that human beings are capable of
self-fulfillment and ethical conduct without -recourse to
supernaturalism." "Humanism is the term applied to (1) a system of education based on the
Greek and Latin classics; and (2) the vigorous attitudes that
accompanied the end of the Middle Ages, represented by the Renaissance,
the Reformation, the Industrial Revolution, and the struggle for
democracy. These attitudes include the liberation of the intellect,
faith in progress, and the belief that humans can improve their own
conditions without supernatural help and have a duty to do so. '[Humans
are] the measure of all things' is the keynote of Humanism. Among the
fundamental moral principles of Humanism are freedom, justice,
tolerance, and happiness" "Humanism is a philosophy of joyous service for the greater good of all
humanity in this natural world and according to the methods of reason
and democracy." |
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