Humanism
As an alternative to religion Humanism is a way for people to find moral guidance and interpret the world. Humanism rejects the stance taken by religion that people are inherently bad and aim to affirm the goodness in all human beings. They believe that any bad deeds might be the result of being damaged by the experiences in their lives.
Humanist Manifesto III- 2003
(For historical purposes you should also read manifestos I- 1933 and II- 1973 found on
Humanism is a progressive philosophy of life that, without supernaturalism, affirms our ability and responsibility to lead ethical lives of personal fulfilment that aspire to the greater good of humanity.The lifestance of Humanism-guided by reason, inspired by compassion, and informed by experience-encourages us to live life well and fully. It evolved through the ages and continues to develop through the efforts of thoughtful people who recognize that values and ideals, however carefully wrought, are subject to change as our knowledge and understandings advance.
This document is part of an ongoing effort to manifest in clear and positive terms the conceptual boundaries of Humanism, not what we must believe but a consensus of what we do believe. It is in this sense that we affirm the following:
Knowledge of the world is derived by observation, experimentation, and rational analysis. Humanists find that science is the best method for determining this knowledge as well as for solving problems and developing beneficial technologies. We also recognize the value of new departures in thought, the arts, and inner experience-each subject to analysis by critical intelligence.
Humans are an integral part of nature, the result of unguided evolutionary change. Humanists recognize nature as self-existing. We accept our life as all and enough, distinguishing things as they are from things as we might wish or imagine them to be. We welcome the challenges of the future, and are drawn to and undaunted by the yet to be known.
Ethical values are derived from human need and interest as tested by experience. Humanists ground values in human welfare shaped by human circumstances, interests, and concerns and extended to the global ecosystem and beyond. We are committed to treating each person as having inherent worth and dignity, and to making informed choices in a context of freedom consonant with responsibility. / Life's fulfilment emerges from individual participation in the service of humane ideals. We aim for our fullest possible development and animate our lives with a deep sense of purpose, finding wonder and awe in the joys and beauties of human existence, its challenges and tragedies, and even in the inevitability and finality of death. Humanists rely on the rich heritage of human culture and the lifestance of Humanism to provide comfort in times of want and encouragement in times of plenty.
Humans are social by nature and find meaning in relationships. Humanists long for and strive toward a world of mutual care and concern, free of cruelty and its consequences, where differences are resolved cooperatively without resorting to violence. The joining of individuality with interdependence enriches our lives, encourages us to enrich the lives of others, and inspires hope of attaining peace, justice, and opportunity for all.
Working to benefit society maximizes individual happiness. Progressive cultures have worked to free humanity from the brutalities of mere survival and to reduce suffering, improve society, and develop global community. We seek to minimize the inequities of circumstance and ability, and we support a just distribution of nature's resources and the fruits of human effort so that as many as possible can enjoy a good life.
Humanists are concerned for the well being of all, are committed to diversity, and respect those of differing yet humane views. We work to uphold the equal enjoyment of human rights and civil liberties in an open, secular society and maintain it is a civic duty to participate in the democratic process and a planetary duty to protect nature's integrity, diversity, and beauty in a secure, sustainable manner.
Thus engaged in the flow of life, we aspire to this vision with the informed conviction that humanity has the ability to progress toward its highest ideals. The responsibility for our lives and the kind of world in which we live is ours and ours alone.
Questions:
1)What do humanist believe? (1 paragraph)
2)Explain the importance of experience for humanists
3)How important is society for humanists?
What is Rational Humanism?
Rational Humanism argues that reason is the best way to understanding the world and deciding the correct way to behave in it. While rational humanist may not declare that there is no God they do reject any belief based only on faith through revelation.
In the case of morality, for a rational humanist it is linked to one’s understanding of pleasure and pain and how one would like to be treated. It could be said that humanism has more organisations and associations than atheism and agnosticism. Rational Humanist have their own set of Ten Commandments and this has led to some criticism of rational humanism as being “just another religion” with its own laws and creed.
Discuss the following Ten Commandments in reference to their currency. How has live experience or history helped to develop these ideas?
§ THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF RATIONAL HUMANISM §
The ten rules of living and of social behaviour of rational humanism for a more harmonious and just world
1- Proclaim the natural dignity and inherent worth of all human beings, in all places and in all
circumstances.
2- Respect the life and property of others at all times.
3- Practice tolerance and open-mindedness towards the choices and life styles of others.
4- Share with those who are less fortunate and mutually assist those who are in need of help.
5- Use neither lies, nor spiritual power, nor temporal power to dominate and exploit others.
6- Rely on reason and science to understand the Universe and to solve life's problems, avoiding religious and supernatural superstitions which numb the mind and are an obstacle to thinking by oneself.
7- Conserve and improve the earth's natural environment —land, water, air and space—as humankind's common heritage.
8- Resolve differences and conflicts cooperatively without resorting to violence or to wars.
9- Organize public affairs according to individual freedom and responsibility, through political and economic democracy.
10- Develop one's intelligence and talents through education and effort, in order to reach fulfilment and happiness, for the betterment of humanity and of future generations.
Scientific Humanism
This branch of humanism argues the best way to understand the world is through scientific research and experimentation. Some may trace this form of humanism back to the ancient Greeks (500 BCE), with Aristotle advocating ideas that excluded God by arguing that all can be known in the physical world through experience. However scientific humanism developed more recently with some crediting French philosopher Rene Descartes (1596-1650) with the establishment of scientific rationalism. His quote “I think, therefore I am” as proof of his existence.
In terms of morality they might take the survival and evolution approach. Meaning that the best way to behave, the best moral and ethical decisions are based on what will help the human race survive and thrive.
Fill in this table:
Rational Humanism / Scientific HumanismTo understand the universe they rely on...
Moral and ethical decisions are based on...
How Non-Believers (Agnostics, Atheist, and Humanist) determine the aspirations and behaviour of individuals
Aspirations
Two aspects must be taken into account; 1) desired outcomes for oneself, 2) desired outcomes for the world one wants to live in. In order to live in a peaceful, sustainable world, many non-believers world say it is important to not be too materialistic. As theists place themselves above environment and allowed to do what they wish, non-believers see the environment as important for a sustainable world.
Behaviour
A non-believer determines the moral and ethical way to behave through three methods; 1) Conscience- ideas of pleasure and pain and guilt, 2) Logic- common sense, 3) Law- the law of the land.
The difference between Christianity and Atheism
Christianity- concept of the transcendent
Christians deal with the concept of the transcendent through the Apostles’ Creed
Modern English Version
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. AMEN.
The Holy Trinity
The Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. God is the Creator, Redeemer and Comforter. All three members of the Trinity are: - Different expressions of the one God
- Are equal in power and glory
-Have all existed eternally
Salvation and Forgiveness
To be saved a person must believe in God or Jesus Christ otherwise they will instead be condemned to suffer. While God wants all people to repent and be saved, God also gave people free will to accept or reject salvation through Christ.
The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit works in the life of a believer.
Christianity- the human person
Humans are created and are meant to live in fellowship with God, but lost their fellowship by choosing to disobey God. Jesus taught that all humans are precious to God and that the human body is a vessel for the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 6:19(New International Version)
19Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;
Christians need to identify themselves as Christians. Some may do this by joining Christians groups or associations both in their society or profession. Some prominent Christians are Kevin Rudd and Tim Costello (president of World Vision Australia). Upon death a Christian believes their soul will rest with God.
Christianity- Social responsibility
Love your neighbour as you love yourself was taught to Christians by Jesus. The story of the Good Samaritan made it clear that by neighbour Jesus meant the whole of humanity. In Matthew 25:34-40 the value God places on helping your fellow human.
Matthew 25:34-40(New International Version)
34"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
37"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
Christians address their social responsibility in personal ways or on a larger scale with organisations like the Salvation Army, Mission Australia etc. Jesus advocated the paying of taxes and Peter urged Christians to obey human authority.
1 Peter 2:13-15(New International Version)
13Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, 14or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.
In the letter to the Colossians (Colossians 3:23) the responsibility to spouses and children is explained as well as servants and those that you serve.
Atheism- concept of the transcendent
Do not believe in a god and therefore believe there is nothing beyond this physical universe. It is clear than those atheists don’t believe in a transcendent being. Reason atheist put forward as to why they don’t believe in a god are; 1) the suffering in the world, 2) theist argue with themselves about God which results in harsh oppressive behaviour towards certain groups, and 3) different faiths tell people different things about the nature of god/God and how to behave. Atheists argue that if there was a transcendent being it wouldn’t allow bad things to happen and would make it clear what/who one should believe.
However there is a criticism from theist who ask; “how is it possible to know there is no God?” Atheist would respond by saying that there is no evidence that one should put their faith in God.
Atheism- the human person
Do not believe that humans were created by god. All things including humans are the result of scientific processes. They also reject notions of an afterlife, or an immortal soul. When people die they simply cease to exist.
People are not accountable to a god. Atheists are guided by their conscience. Their behaviour is also governed by logic. Atheist chose to not believe in a god in the absence of proof or evidence.
Atheism- social responsibility
Because atheists don’t believe they have to answer to a god they also believe that there is no god to make things better. Therefore for atheists taking care of other people and the planet are of utmost importance. Atheist are critical of how theist treat other people of different faiths or those within their faith and feel that people regardless of beliefs need to be cared for in order to have a peaceful, healthy, sustainable world. Theist have criticised atheist for not having any charities but atheist donate to many environmental and social causes. Oxfam Australia and Amnesty International are examples of charities that are not specifically religious and adherents and atheist alike enthusiastically support them.
Fill in the table below
Christians / AtheistsConcept of the transcendent
The human person
Social responsibility