Humanism

Humanism is a philosophy or a way of thinking about the world. Humanism is a set of ethics or ideas about how people should live and act. People who hold this set of ethics are called humanists.^[1][2] Humanists prefer critical thinking and evidence (rationalism and empiricism) over acceptance of dogma or superstition.

In modern times, humanism is close to secularism. It refers to a non-theistic approach to life, looking to science instead of religious dogma in order to understand the world.^[3] The term was made widely known by scientists in the mid-20th century. Many wanted to recognise human values, but without depending on religion as the main source of values.^[4]

Views held by many humanists include:

• Humans deserve respect. Every human should be treated with respect and allowed to have dignity. If all people act with respect for others, then people will live in peace and trust.
• People should all be able to decide how they want to live their lives. They should use reasoning to make decisions and solve problems.
• Humanists decide what choices are good by whether those choices will help make human life better and the world around them.

1. ↑ Nicolas Walter, Nicolas 1997. Humanism – What's in the Word. London: Rationalist Press Association. ISBN 0-301-97001-7
2. ↑ Norman, Richard 2004. On humanism: thinking in action. London: Routledge.
3. ↑ See for example the British Humanist Association's definition of Humanism
4. ↑ Biology and humanism, Chapter 10 of Dromnamraju, Krishna R. 1993. If I am to be remembered: the life and work of Julian Huxley with selected correspondence. Singapore: World Scientific.