Humanism

Humanism is a philosophical stance that focuses on the power and potential of human beings. It sees humans as the central point for important moral and philosophical questions. Over time, the meaning of humanism has changed with different intellectual movements.

During the Italian Renaissance, scholars inspired by ancient Greek ideas started a movement called Renaissance humanism. Later, during the Age of Enlightenment, advances in science and technology strengthened humanistic values, helping people feel more confident in exploring the world.

In the early 20th century, organizations dedicated to humanism grew in Europe and the United States, and have since spread worldwide. Today, humanism generally means focusing on human well-being and standing up for human freedom, happiness, autonomy, and progress. It believes that humans are responsible for helping each other and promoting the growth of individuals. Humanism also supports the equal and inherent dignity of all human beings and cares about how humans relate to the world. Humanists often support human rights, free speech, progressive policies, and democracy.

Since the 20th century, humanist movements have mostly been non-religious and aligned with secularism. Today, humanism as a philosophy refers to a non-theistic view that relies on human action, science, and reason instead of religious beliefs to understand the world. Many secular humanist 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, used in ancient Rome by thinkers like Cicero to talk about values linked to liberal education. This idea lives on today in the humanities—areas of study such as arts, philosophy, history, and literature.

The word reappeared during the Italian Renaissance as umanista and entered the English language in 1589. Back then, it described students of classical literature and those who supported studying classic works. Over time, the meaning of humanism grew and changed, especially in the 20th century, when 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. Different thinkers have described it in various ways over time. Some say humanists believe in using science and free thinking to understand the world. They think humans are important and deserve respect, dignity, and the chance to live happy, meaningful lives.

Humanists also believe in making the world better through kindness and fairness. 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 improve their own lives and help 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, not myths or gods. Protagoras, who lived around 440 BCE, had interesting thoughts about gods and knowledge. Socrates taught that people should know themselves, shifting focus to humans and their well-being. Aristotle taught about ethics based on human nature. Later, Epicurus promoted a philosophy centered on human happiness and friendship.

Other ideas similar to humanism appeared in Chinese philosophy and religions like Taoism and Confucianism. During the Abbasid Caliphate in the 8th and 9th centuries, Muslim thinkers in places like Baghdad explored ideas about knowledge and human values.

Renaissance

Main article: Renaissance humanism

In the Middle Ages, ideas about humanism grew stronger. The Renaissance, starting in Italy in the 1300s, brought a fresh interest in art, literature, and learning. Florence became a center for these ideas. Petrarch, often called the father of humanism, discovered important old writings and helped shape education by focusing on classical texts.

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

Enlightenment

During the Age of Enlightenment, humanist ideas grew stronger, moving away from religion. Thinkers believed reason could help understand the world. New ideas about freedom, tolerance, and fairness appeared. Some even questioned traditional religious beliefs.

Philosophers like Baruch Spinoza and writers such as Denis Diderot explored new ways of thinking. The idea of universal human rights began to form, though it didn’t include everyone equally at the time.

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, with beliefs about life, ethics, and society found 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, but 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, each with its own focus. 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 closely tied to thinking and reason. For humanists, people can use their minds and science to understand the world. They believe that using reason helps us solve problems and make progress, while ideas about magic or invisible forces do not explain things clearly.

Another important idea in humanism is that each person should make their own choices. Humanists think that everyone deserves to think for themselves and act based on their own ideas. This makes each person important and valued, no matter who they are. Everyone should be treated equally, and each person's thoughts and feelings matter.

The philosopher Immanuel Kant helped shape modern humanist ideas. He believed that people can understand the world through their own thinking and experiences. He also thought that each person should decide what is right or wrong for themselves, instead of following strict rules set by others.

The writer Corliss Lamont explained humanism this way: the goal is to help people live better lives here and now, bringing happiness to everyone. Humanism values all kinds of good experiences, from playing and enjoying nature to appreciating art, making friends, and sharing time with others.

Themes

Morality

Humanists have different ideas about what is right and wrong. In the 18th century, they focused on making rules that would make everyone happy and reduce suffering. They also believed people should act in ways that they could agree on with others.

Later, humanists began to support ideas like equal rights for all people, respect for different beliefs, and the importance of each person making their own choices. Some humanists think that being good comes from helping others and improving society. Others believe that 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 are interested in learning 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 a single answer but think that 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, which means that 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

Information about how many people are humanists is limited. A study looked at answers to two questions to understand who humanists might be. Most humanists in the United States do not believe in a god and use science and reason to make decisions. Many were raised in religious families, but most now do not follow a specific religion.

The study also found that most humanists are men and tend to have higher levels of education. The group is mostly made up of people who are not from Hispanic backgrounds.

Criticisms

Some people criticize humanism for focusing too much on Western ideas and human rights. They say it can act like a form of control, pushing Western values on others and ignoring different cultural views. Some also argue that humanism carries biases from the people who created it, mainly white, heterosexual men.

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

There are also those 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 can be found in many countries. Humanists International is a global group that connects these organizations. Some of the biggest groups are in the UK, India, and the US. The largest one is the Norwegian Humanist Association. Two of the oldest groups are Humanists UK and the American Humanist Association.

In 2015, Humanists UK had about 28,000 members. Some well-known people are part of this group, and they often talk about important issues. 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. In 1953, they began giving out an award called the "Humanist of the Year" to people who support science. Over time, the group became very well known and spoke up for fair treatment for everyone.