Reason/s & Belief

Humanism aims at the fullest possible development of every human being

Humanism supports democracy and human rights

rights to individual self-determination, human rights and freedom of belief

a life stance rooted in rational thinking

Humanism insists that personal liberty must be combined with social responsibility

The similarities between the beliefs and values of the different groups - even ‘secular’ and ‘religious’ Humanists - is more fundamental and more important than the different groups

humanism Humanism is a democratic and ethical life stance, which affirms that human beings have the right and responsibility to give meaning and shape to their own lives. It stands for the building of a more humane society through an ethic based on human and other natural values in the spirit of reason and free inquiry through human capabilities. It is not theistic, and it does not accept supernatural views of reality. See also the Amsterdam Declaration.

Humanism is undogmatic, imposing no creed upon its adherents. It is thus committed to education free from indoctrination.

fundamental principles of modern Humanism

an alternative to dogmatic religion

Humanists promote free inquiry which is the basis of the scientific spirit

Humanism ventures to build a world on the idea of the free person responsible to society, and recognises our dependence on and responsibility for the natural world

seeks to use science creatively

Humanism is rational

Amsterdam Declaration

where people do feel that their beliefs are ‘Humanist’ they should use the word

humanist A person who adheres to or advocates humanism, a democratic and ethical life stance, which affirms that human beings have the right and responsibility to give meaning and shape to their own lives.

Humanism is ethical. It affirms the worth, dignity and autonomy of the individual and the right of every human being to the greatest possible freedom compatible with the rights of others.

Humanists believe that the solutions to the world's problems lie in human thought and action

Humanism recognises that reliable knowledge of the world and ourselves arises through a continuing process. of observation, evaluation and revision.

ethics grounded in human values

Humanists aim for a social order in which individual freedom and dignity, social justice, fundamental rights and the rule of civilised law are protected

the outcome of a long tradition of free thought

human beings have the right and responsibility to give meaning and shape to their own lives

Humanism is a democratic and ethical life stance

Humanism advocates the application of the methods of science and free inquiry to the problems of human welfare

the official defining statement of World Humanism

human rights Universal rights to which every person is entitled

rationalism The view that knowledge is aquired through reason, without the aid of the senses. Perhaps the best example of such knowledge would be mathematical knowledge, but rationalists typically argue that many other important truths can also be grasped by reason.

Humanists have a duty of care to all of humanity including future generations.

fundamentals of modern Humanism

freethought An intellectual and cultural movement. A freethinker is a religious unbeliever who forms his or her judgments about religion using reason rather than relying on tradition, authority, faith, or established belief.

justified by a moral standard that stands above the laws of any individual nation

secularism A neutral attitude, especially of the State, local government and public services, in matters relating to religion; non-religious rather than anti-religious.

Humanists believe that morality is an intrinsic part of human nature based on understanding and a concern for others, needing no external sanction.

Humanists consider human experience to be the only source of knowledge and ethics

It stands for the building of a more humane society through an ethic based on human and other natural values in the spirit of reason and free inquiry through human capabilities

the application of science and technology must be tempered by human values

Humanism values artistic creativity and imagination and recognises the transforming power of art. Humanism affirms the importance of literature, music, and the visual and performing arts for personal development and fulfilment.

Humanists believe in intellectual integrity, and do not allow custom to replace conscience

Science gives us the means but human values must propose the ends

skeptic A philosophical position in which people choose to critically examine whether the knowledge and perceptions that they have are actually true, and whether or not one can ever be said to have absolutely true knowledge

rationalist Rationalists believe that reason alone is sufficient to gain knowledge of the world.

Humanism is a lifestance aiming at the maximum possible fulfilment through the cultivation of ethical and creative living and offers an ethical and rational means of addressing the challenges of our times

Humanism can be a way of life for everyone everywhere

utilising free inquiry, the power of science and creative imagination for the furtherance of peace and in the service of compassion

we have the means to solve the problems that confront us all

We have a world to change. We need your help to change it!

there is no "risk" to not being "religious" in the general sense, there can only be a risk attached to a particular religion which teaches that you will be punished for not being an adherent of that religion

If two statements are contraries, then it is impossible for both of them to be true, but it is possible for both to be false.

A genuine explanation makes events more understandable