Humanism

[Aimz]

Hi all,

I am curious to see if anyone subscribes to the Humanist Life Stance. I haven't met many people who do, and there aren't many people out there who even know what it's about. My late Grandfather and my Dad are both Humanists. Humanism is a life stance that upholds human reason, ethics, and justice, and rejects supernaturalism, pseudoscience, and superstition. It has appeal to agnostics, apatheists, atheists, empiricists, freethinkers, Objectivists, rationalists, and scientific skeptics. It is not a religion - more an attitude towards life.

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.

Humanism features an optimistic attitude about the capacity of people, but it does not involve believing that human nature is purely good or that all people can live up to the Humanist ideals without help. If anything, there is the recognition that living up to one's potential is hard work and requires the assistance of others. The ultimate goal is human flourishing; making life better for all humans, and as the most conscious species, also promoting concern for the welfare of other sentient beings. The focus is on doing good and living well in the here and now, and leaving the world better for those who come after.

I would love to have a discussion about this with anyone, of any religion.

[fionas]

Very interesting amysarah. I'm a bit too sleepy to say much more right now other than that. There's definitely lots of things there that appeal to me but I'd probably describe myself in religious terms as an agnostic (like to hedge my bets!) whereas DP would describe himself as an atheist. However, after reading those descriptions, the term 'humanist' may more accurately describe him.

Interested in learning more.

[krysalyss]

Hi Amysarah - what is the view of this with regards to other beings such as animals, and also with regards to protecting the earth/environment?

[Aimz]

Great questions Krysalyss! There are a set of core principles of Humanism of which I have obtained the following...

Humans do not have a right of dominion over animals and the environment, it being recognized that humans along with many other species of animals do change their environment by their very existence.

What this principle asserts is that the Biblical right extended to humans to exercise "dominion" over animals and even nature is not a human right at all. Humanists should not restrict their horizons to humans alone and should respect this right of existence. This principle should not be taken as a proscription against modifying the environment. Any species, human or animal, has to make certain modifications in the natural environment to accommodate its basic living requirements. What the principle asserts is that wanton and deliberate destruction of animal life and ecosystems is not an automatic right of humans. At the very least it must include what now described as ecological conservation and responsibility, but a case can be made to take it much further.

[Nai]

Amy, I hadn't really heard of Humanism but from what you have said it does seem to explain a lot of my own value system regarding ethics in relation to people, animals and the environment.

I think I may have to do more reading about it!

[Heaven]

Interesting thread Amy! I hadn't heard of Humanism before and from what you have said I can see why it appeals to many people!

I like the idea of it but from my own point of view the reason I wouldn't ascribe to humanism is because I don't feel I (or humans I guess) have enough knowledge and foresight to know what is ultimately best, we have made some huge mistakes, so I trust in a higher power.

Very interesting topic. How do you incorporate humanism into your life?

[Lulu]

I suppose you just live it SJ.

I do like it because I think we DO have enough knowledge, and it sounds like it more about being responsible for our own mistake and celebrating our achievements as humans....

[Aimz]

SJ - It does appeal to many. I don't actively "try" to incorporate Humanism into my life - I was brought up with these ethics and values so I just live it everyday without too much thought.

Lulu - You are spot on. It's about recognising that our actions as individuals have an impact on the world and we (as Humans) have to take reponsibilty for that. Humanists believe that there is no external divine agency between human beings and the physical environment in which they operate.

I have never believed in God, and to be honest I don't know much about the bible because I was never taught about it - however I have learned about ALL religions just out of plain curiosity. For me, I don't thank/blame a divine entity for my achievements and failures - I take full responsibility for these.

[krysalyss]

Interesting thanks AmyS

[Aimz]

I like the idea of it but from my own point of view the reason I wouldn't ascribe to humanism is because I don't feel I (or humans I guess) have enough knowledge and foresight to know what is ultimately best, we have made some huge mistakes, so I trust in a higher power.

There is a branch of Humanism called Christian Humanism. It is the belief that human freedom and individualism are intrinsic natural parts of, or are at least compatible with, Christian doctrine and practice. It is a philosophical union of Christian and humanist principles. So it is possible to combine both of them.

However, the word "Humanist" in it's single form rejects this.

[Aimz]

An article on ninemsn today...

Victorian state primary school students will soon be able to take religious education classes which teach there is no evidence God exists.

The Humanist Society of Victoria has developed a curriculum for primary pupils that the state government accreditation body says it intends to approve, The Sunday Age newspaper reported.

Accredited volunteers will be able to teach their philosophy in the class time allotted for religious instruction, the newspaper said.

As with lessons delivered by faith groups, parents will be able to request that their children do not participate.

"Atheistical parents will be pleased to hear that humanistic courses of ethics will soon be available in some state schools," Victorian Humanist Society president Stephen Stuart said.

The society does not consider itself to be a religious organisation and believes ethics have "no necessary connection with religion".

Humanists believe people are responsible for their own destiny and reject the notion of a supernatural force or God.

[Heaven]

There is about to be something on Sunrise about this, just heard them say something.

[Aimz]

Sunrise had a mini debate about whether or not Humanism should be given as an alternative to religious education. I think it's a fantastic idea! I remember when I was in primary school I chose not to attend RE classes and I, along with three other students, went to the principles office where we coloured and chatted and did nothing constructive.

I think it would be great for parents and students to have a choice - both teach good morals and ethics and both have the same goal for people to better themselves and be kinder to each other. At least those non religious students would still be learning.

[Lulu]

It seems moral and ethics will HAVE TO be taught in schools, it doesnt look like most of the parents around here are teaching their kids anything......

[lilcosmo]

I have never believed in God, and to be honest I don't know much about the bible because I was never taught about it - however I have learned about ALL religions just out of plain curiosity. For me, I don't thank/blame a divine entity for my achievements and failures - I take full responsibility for these.

My thoughts exactly amysarah.

There was an article in the Age (Vic Newspaper) yesterday which covered the idea of teaching Humanism in schools during religious education time. This was the first I had ever heard of it?

IMO, I can't believe that any religion is still taught in public primary schools. I would much prefer my children attended a class which taught understanding and respect for ALL people no matter what their faith/beliefs/race.

[Heaven]

IMO, I can't believe that any religion is still taught in public primary schools. I would much prefer my children attended a class which taught understanding and respect for ALL people no matter what their faith/beliefs/race.

Religion classes do teach this.

I do think there is a place for teaching Religion in public schools b/c it is a part of life that kids need to know about to understand the world and news etc. And I think most public schools do teach about all the major religions, don't they?? It's just that private or catholic schools focus mainly on their religion but also teach about the others.

I kinda agreed with what they were saying on sunrise that Humanism doesn't consider itself a religion so why should it be an option for the 'religion' class in school. Instead, the principles of humanism i.e. moral and ethical values should be taught to all kids. I thought they would have been already, but if not than we definately should be giving our kids some kind of moral education!!

So is this only in Victoria?

[Aimz]

I kinda agreed with what they were saying on sunrise that Humanism doesn't consider itself a religion so why should it be an option for the 'religion' class in school.

I understand that point SJ - however the reason why it is going to be introduced is for those students who choose NOT to attend RE classes. If they grow up in an Athiest household then a Humanism class would be more appropriate for them than a religious education class.

Humanism is not a religion because it rejects religion - and there are many families out there who also reject religion and I think this class would be great for their kids instead of sitting in the Principals office colouring in!

[Heaven]

Good point Amy, it would be better for them to do something constructive instead. I hope they're teaching everyone about morals and ethics though aswell!!
And I was also thinking that all kids should go to religion classes, not to be religious, but to learn about the beliefs of others but then you can't make everyone do that, it's the parents choice, so that wouldn't work.