Secular humanism is a life stance or philosophy centered on human reason and ethics, distinct from religious beliefs.
Based on the provided reference, secular humanism is defined as a philosophy, belief system, or life stance. It is characterized by several key elements:
Core Principles of Secular Humanism
Secular humanism embraces fundamental human capabilities and approaches to understanding the world and making decisions. These include:
- Human Reason: Valuing the capacity of humans to think, understand, and form judgments logically.
- Logic: Relying on systematic reasoning to evaluate ideas and information.
- Secular Ethics: Developing a moral framework based on human values, well-being, and social responsibility, independent of religious doctrines.
- Philosophical Naturalism: Understanding the universe and everything within it through natural laws and processes, without recourse to supernatural explanations.
What Secular Humanism Rejects
A distinguishing feature of secular humanism is its explicit rejection of certain foundations often used for morality and decision-making in religious contexts:
- Religious Dogma: Dismissing doctrines or beliefs asserted by a religion as authoritative without empirical evidence.
- Supernaturalism: Rejecting the belief in forces or entities outside the known laws of nature.
- Superstition: Discarding beliefs or practices resulting from ignorance or irrational fear of the unknown.
Secular humanism asserts that morality and decision-making should be based on human intelligence, empathy, scientific understanding, and a commitment to human welfare, rather than divine commands or supernatural guidance.
Comparing Approaches
| Secular Humanism Approach | Basis for Morality and Decision-Making |
|---|---|
| Embraces | Human Reason, Logic, Secular Ethics, Philosophical Naturalism |
| Specifically Rejects as the Basis | Religious Dogma, Supernaturalism, Superstition |
Practical Implications
Living by secular humanist principles often involves:
- Making ethical choices based on empathy, reason, and considering the consequences for oneself and others.
- Seeking evidence and logical arguments when evaluating claims about the world.
- Focusing efforts on improving human lives and societies in the here and now.
- Advocating for human rights and social justice grounded in shared humanity.
For those interested in learning more, exploring resources on humanist organizations or searching for "secular humanist manifestos" can provide deeper insights into its various expressions and goals.
