Humanism

[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.