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Secular Humanism

Secular humanism is a philosophy, belief system, or life stance that embraces human reason, logic, secular ethics, and philosophical naturalism, while specifically rejecting religious dogma, supernaturalism, and superstition as the basis of morality and decision-making.

Secular humanism posits that human beings are capable of being ethical and moral without religion or belief in a deity. It does not, however, assume that humans are either inherently good or evil, nor does it present humans as being superior to nature. Rather, the humanist life stance emphasizes the unique responsibility facing humanity and the ethical consequences of human decisions. Fundamental to the concept of secular humanism is the strongly held viewpoint that ideology—be it religious or political—must be thoroughly examined by each individual and not simply accepted or rejected on faith. Along with this, an essential part of secular humanism is a continually adapting search for truth, primarily through science and philosophy. Many secular humanists derive their moral codes from a philosophy of utilitarianism, ethical naturalism, or evolutionary ethics, and some advocate a science of morality.

Humanists International, founded by Julian Huxley and Jaap van Praag, is the world union of more than one hundred humanist, rationalist, irreligious, atheist, Bright, secular, Ethical Culture, and freethought organizations in more than 40 countries. The “Happy Human” is recognized as the official symbol of humanism internationally, used by secular humanist organizations in every part of the world.

The term itself is not uncontested. “Secular humanism” is not a universally used phrase, and is most prevalent in the United States. Most member organisations of Humanists International, for example, use simply the term “humanism” to refer to this concept, with some commentators remarking that “‘hyphenated humanism’ easily becomes more about the adjective than its referent”.

wikipedia/en/Secular%20humanismWikipedia

Secular humanism is a philosophy of life that affirms the importance of human reason, ethics, and the pursuit of knowledge, while rejecting supernatural beliefs and religious dogma. It emphasizes the capacity of humans to lead meaningful and ethical lives without relying on religious institutions or supernatural explanations. 

Core Principles:

  • Naturalism: Secular humanism is rooted in naturalism, which means it believes that the natural world is all there is, and that reliable knowledge is best obtained through scientific inquiry. 

  • Humanism: It emphasizes the dignity and worth of human beings, advocating for their well-being and the pursuit of human flourishing. 

  • Secularism: It rejects religious dogma, supernaturalism, and superstition, advocating for a society where religion does not dominate public life. 

  • Ethics: Secular humanism develops its own ethical framework based on human reason and experience, emphasizing values like compassion, justice, and fairness. 

  • Reason and Science: It places a high value on reason, critical thinking, and scientific inquiry as tools for understanding the world and making informed decisions. 

  • **Individual Freedom and Responsibility: It values individual autonomy and freedom of choice, while also emphasizing the importance of social responsibility and contributing to the common good. 

  • Social Justice: Secular humanism often advocates for social justice and equality, working towards a more just and equitable society for all. 

Key Differences from Other Belief Systems:

  • Religious Humanism: While secular humanists share some common ground with religious humanists, they distinguish themselves by rejecting the need for a religious framework or belief in a supernatural God. 
  • Refuting Atheism: Secular humanism encompasses atheism (the absence of belief in a god or gods), but it goes beyond atheism by incorporating a full philosophical and ethical system. 

In essence, secular humanism offers a non-religious worldview that emphasizes human potential, reason, and ethical living, providing a framework for individuals to find meaning and purpose in life without relying on religious beliefs.