Humanism

Author: Leandro Alegsa Creation date: November 13, 2022

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. 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. 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.

Views held by many humanists include:

Questions and Answers

Q: What is humanism?

A: Humanism is a philosophy or a way of thinking about the world. It is a set of ethics or ideas about how people should live and act.

Q: What do humanists prefer over acceptance of dogma or superstition?

A: Humanists prefer critical thinking and evidence (rationalism and empiricism) over acceptance of dogma or superstition.

Q: Who are humanists?

A: People who hold a set of ethics that prioritize critical thinking and evidence over dogma or superstition are called humanists.

Q: How is humanism related to secularism?

A: In modern times, humanism is close to secularism, which refers to a non-theistic approach to life, focusing on science instead of religious dogma to understand the world.

Q: Who made the term "humanism" widely known?

A: Scientists in the mid-20th century made the term "humanism" widely known.

Q: Why did many humanists want to recognize human values?

A: Many humanists wanted to recognize human values without depending on religion as the main source of values.

Q: What are some views commonly held by humanists?

A: Some views held by many humanists include prioritizing critical thinking and evidence, valuing reason and logic, and recognizing the importance of individual freedom and responsibility.