Humanism

Humanism is a way of thinking that focuses on the power and potential of human beings. It sees humans as the main focus for important questions about what is right and wrong. Over time, the meaning of humanism has changed with new ideas.

During the Italian Renaissance, scholars inspired by old Greek ideas started a movement called Renaissance humanism. Later, during the Age of Enlightenment, new discoveries in science and technology helped strengthen these ideas, making people more confident about exploring the world.

In the early 20th century, groups supporting humanism grew in Europe and the United States, and have since spread around the world. Today, humanism means focusing on human well-being and standing up for human freedom, happiness, autonomy, and progress. It believes that humans should help each other and support the growth of every person. Humanism also supports the equal and inherent dignity of all people and cares about how humans treat the world. Humanists often support human rights, free speech, fair policies, and democracy.

Since the 20th century, humanist movements have mostly been non-religious and aligned with secularism. Today, humanism is a philosophy that does not rely on religious beliefs. It uses human action, science, and reason to understand the world. Many groups work together under the umbrella of Humanists International, including well-known organizations such as Humanists UK and the American Humanist Association.

Etymology

The word "humanism" comes from the Latin word humanitas. People in ancient Rome like Cicero used this word to talk about values linked to liberal education. Today, this idea lives on in the humanities, which include arts, philosophy, history, and literature.

The word returned during the Italian Renaissance as umanista. It entered the English language in 1589. At first, it described people who studied classical literature and liked to read old, important books. Over time, the meaning of humanism changed. In the 20th century, it came to mean a way of thinking that focuses on human well-being and freedom, without needing religion.

Definition

Humanism is an idea about what it means to be human. It says that humans are important and deserve respect and the chance to live happy lives.

Humanists believe in using science and thinking clearly to understand the world. They think we can make the world better by being kind and fair. They support helping people have good health, homes, and education. They do not believe in magic or gods but focus on what humans can do to help themselves and others.

History

Predecessors

You can find ideas about humanism in ancient Greek philosophy. Early philosophers, called Pre-Socratic philosophers, tried to understand the world using reason and nature. Protagoras had thoughts about gods and knowledge. Socrates taught that people should know themselves. Aristotle taught about ethics based on human nature. Later, Epicurus promoted a philosophy focused on happiness and friendship.

Other ideas similar to humanism appeared in Chinese philosophy and religions like Taoism and Confucianism. During the Abbasid Caliphate, Muslim thinkers explored ideas about knowledge and human values.

Renaissance

Main article: Renaissance humanism

In the Middle Ages, ideas about humanism grew. The Renaissance, starting in Italy in the 1300s, brought new interest in art, literature, and learning. Florence became a center for these ideas. Petrarch discovered important old writings and helped shape education.

Humanist ideas spread from Italy to other parts of Europe. By the late 1400s, northern Europe, with scholars like Erasmus of Rotterdam, became important centers. Humanism changed education and influenced politics and culture.

Enlightenment

During the Age of Enlightenment, humanist ideas grew stronger. Thinkers believed reason could help understand the world. New ideas about freedom, tolerance, and fairness appeared.

Philosophers like Baruch Spinoza and writers such as Denis Diderot explored new ways of thinking. The idea of universal human rights began to form.

From Darwin to current era

In the 1800s, new scientific ideas, like Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection, changed how people saw humans. Philosophers questioned religion and traditional beliefs. In Britain and the US, groups formed to promote rational and ethical ideas.

Humanist organizations grew in Europe and the US. In 1933, The New Humanist published the Humanist Manifesto I, and groups like the American Humanist Association formed. Today, humanist groups work worldwide to promote human values and reason.

Varieties of humanism

The word "humanism" has been used in many ways over time. Since the 1800s, it has often meant a way of living without religion. Modern humanists see it as an old idea that has been around for thousands of years. They find beliefs about life, ethics, and society in ancient Greece, China, and India.

During the Renaissance in the 14th and 15th centuries, some scholars in Italy studied classical works from Greece and Rome. They were called humanists. This Renaissance humanism is not directly connected to modern humanism. There are many other kinds of humanism, like ethical humanism, scientific humanism, secular humanism, and Marxist humanism. Today, most humanists see these as part of one shared set of beliefs and values. There is also a term called Christian humanism, which links Renaissance ideas to Christian theology, though some humanists think this mixes ideas in a confusing way.

Philosophy

Humanism is about using our minds and science to understand the world. People can solve problems and make progress by thinking clearly, instead of believing in magic or invisible forces.

In humanism, everyone should make their own choices. Everyone deserves to think for themselves and act based on their own ideas. This means that each person is important and valued, no matter who they are. All people should be treated equally, and their thoughts and feelings matter.

The philosopher Immanuel Kant helped shape humanist ideas. He believed people can understand the world through their own thinking and experiences. He also thought each person should decide what is right or wrong for themselves.

The writer Corliss Lamont said humanism aims to help people live better lives and bring happiness to everyone. Humanism values good experiences like playing, enjoying nature, appreciating art, making friends, and spending time with others.

Themes

Morality

Humanists have different ideas about what is right and wrong. In the 1700s, they focused on making rules to make everyone happy and reduce suffering. They also believed people should act in ways that others could agree with.

Later, humanists began to support equal rights for all people, respect for different beliefs, and the importance of each person making their own choices. Some humanists think being good means helping others and improving society. Others believe good actions are those that lead to the best results for people.

Religion

Many people think humanism goes against religion, but that’s not always true. Some humanists like to learn about different religions and respect people’s beliefs. Humanism often encourages people to think for themselves and question old ideas, which can sometimes lead to disagreements with religious teachings.

The meaning of life

Humanists believe that each person can create their own meaning in life. They don’t follow one single answer but think meaning can come from things like being happy, connecting with others, and making a positive impact on the world. This idea lets everyone find what matters most to them personally.

In public life

In politics

Contemporary humanism in politics often calls for secularism. This means the government treats everyone fairly without favoring any religion. This helps people live together in diversity and freedom. Humanism also stands against extreme ideas like nationalism and totalitarianism, which can lead to unfair treatment and conflict.

Humanism can take different forms in politics. Some focus on individual rights and freedoms, while others emphasize helping communities and sharing resources. Both sides share the goal of making the world better through fairness and kindness.

In psychology and counseling

Humanistic psychology and counseling help people by focusing on their personal growth and creativity. This kind of counseling respects each person's unique views and experiences, helping them find their own path to happiness. It grew after World War II, influenced by thinkers like Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, who believed in the power of each person to achieve their best self.

Demographics

We do not know exactly how many humanists there are. One study asked questions to learn more about humanists. In the United States, most humanists do not believe in a god. They use science and reason to make choices. Many humanists grew up in religious families, but most do not follow a specific religion today.

The study also found that most humanists are men. They often have a lot of education. Most humanists are not from Hispanic backgrounds.

Criticisms

Some people think humanism focuses too much on Western ideas and human rights. They say it might push Western values on others and ignore different cultures. Some also say humanism has biases from the people who created it, mainly white, heterosexual men.

Others feel humanism is too focused on material things and lacks deeper spiritual meaning. They worry it might encourage selfishness and greed. However, some defenders say these criticisms misunderstand humanism.

There are also people who find humanism too vague and hard to define clearly. They say its meaning changes a lot depending on who is using the word.

The main article: Antihumanism

Antihumanism is a philosophy that rejects humanism. It began in the 19th and 20th centuries as thinkers questioned humanism's ideas about human nature and freedom. Some, like Nietzsche, felt humanism created false ideas about truth. Others, like Karl Marx, saw it as a project tied to certain social classes. After World War II, these questions about humanity became even more important.

Humanist organizations

Humanist organizations exist in many countries. Humanists International is a global group that connects these groups. Some big groups are in the UK, India, and the US. The largest is the Norwegian Humanist Association. Two of the oldest groups are Humanists UK and the American Humanist Association.

Humanists UK helps people have ceremonies that are not based on religion, like weddings and funerals.

The American Humanist Association started in 1941. They have a journal called The Humanist. They give out an award called the "Humanist of the Year" to people who support science. The group became well known and spoke up for fair treatment for everyone.