Etymology and Definition of Humanism:
– The term humanism originates from the Latin word humanitas and evolved to signify a naturalistic approach to life, focusing on human well-being and freedom.
– Humanists oppose cultural imposition, support social reforms, and emphasize human autonomy and dignity.
– Dictionaries define humanism as a worldview centered on human interests and values, rejecting supernaturalism.
Historical Roots of Humanism:
– Pre-Socratic philosophers, Socrates, Aristotle, and Epicurus laid the groundwork for humanist ideas by focusing on human reason, well-being, and ethics.
– Renaissance humanism drew inspiration from ancient works, emphasizing human exploration and individual potential.
– The Enlightenment period saw a resurgence of humanistic ideas, promoting rationality, social progress, and the separation of religion from education and state.
Influence and Impact of Humanism:
– Humanism has influenced various fields like education, ethics, and politics by encouraging critical thinking, free inquiry, and scientific approaches.
– Humanism promotes human rights, progressive policies, and personal/social improvement through moral actions.
– Humanism fosters a democratic and ethical life stance based on human values and free inquiry, shaping modern Western culture.
Varieties and Critique of Humanism:
– Various forms of humanism like religious, Christian, ethical, scientific, secular, and Marxist have distinct focuses.
– Humanism is inherently naturalistic, scientific, and secular, with distinctions between religious and secular humanism becoming less significant.
– Critiques of terminologies highlight the historical significance of different humanist movements and the evolving nature of humanism categories.
Development and Prominent Figures in Humanism:
– Humanist organizations like the British Humanist Association and American Humanist Association have expanded globally, promoting humanist values and principles.
– Prominent figures like A. J. Ayer, Bertrand Russell, Isaac Asimov, and Carl Sagan have popularized humanist ideas through their works and affiliations with humanist associations.
– The Humanist Manifesto I and the International Humanist and Ethical Union have been pivotal in advocating for humanist values and ethical principles on a global scale.
Humanism is a philosophical stance that emphasizes the individual and social potential, and agency of human beings, whom it considers the starting point for serious moral and philosophical inquiry.
The meaning of the term "humanism" has changed according to successive intellectual movements that have identified with it. During the Italian Renaissance, ancient works inspired Italian scholars, giving rise to the Renaissance humanism movement. During the Age of Enlightenment, humanistic values were reinforced by advances in science and technology, giving confidence to humans in their exploration of the world. By the early 20th century, organizations dedicated to humanism flourished in Europe and the United States, and have since expanded worldwide. In the early 21st century, the term generally denotes a focus on human well-being and advocates for human freedom, autonomy, and progress. It views humanity as responsible for the promotion and development of individuals, espouses the equal and inherent dignity of all human beings, and emphasizes a concern for humans in relation to the world.
Starting in the 20th century, humanist movements are typically non-religious and aligned with secularism. Most frequently, humanism refers to a non-theistic view centered on human agency, and a reliance on science and reason rather than revelation from a supernatural source to understand the world. Humanists tend to advocate for human rights, free speech, progressive policies, and democracy. People with a humanist worldview maintain religion is not a precondition of morality, and object to excessive religious entanglement with education and the state.
Contemporary humanist organizations work under the umbrella of Humanists International. Well-known humanist associations are Humanists UK and the American Humanist Association.
English
Etymology
From human + -ism, borrowed from German Humanismus, coined by Friedrich Immanuel Niethammer in 1808.
