Humanism Lecture Notes

Key Terms

• Human: A human being; a person.

• Humanism: A system of thought and action based on the nature of interest of humans.

• Humanist: A follower of the principles of humanism.

• Theist: Someone who believes that there is a God.

• Atheist: Someone who does not believe in God.

• Agnostic: Someone who is not sure whether God exists.

• Empathy: To understand and share the feelings of others.

• Non-religious: Not relating with a religion.

• Reason: The power of the mind to think, understand, and form judgements.

What is Humanism?

• Humanism is not a religion but an approach to life.

• It encourages living based on reason.

• It rejects religion.

• Humanists believe humans evolved over the years.

• They believe humans learn, make choices, and have their own beliefs.

• It is a worldview that only uses:

  • Science

  • Evidence

  • Reason

  • Empathy

• These are used to make sense of the world.

• These inform how they should act and care for others.

Where do I come from?

• Humanists do not believe that we were created by God.

• They believe in evolution.

• Research was carried out by Charles Darwin.

• He was the first to publish the theory of evolution.

How does a Humanist work out what is right or wrong?

• Humanists do not believe in God or other supernatural beings.

• They do not believe that our knowledge of right and wrong comes from religious rules such as those found in scripture.

• They believe in the Golden Rule, which is: Treat others as you yourself want to be treated.

• Humanists try to live a full and happy life and help others do the same.

• They believe we should use our own human nature as a guide to good living.

What do Humanists believe about life after death?

• Humanism is a non-religious worldview.

• Humanists do not believe in an afterlife.

• They believe that death is the natural process that is the end of our existence on earth.

• They don't believe that anything happens after we die.

• Therefore, we should make the most of our lives because this is the only one that we have.

How do Humanists celebrate life events?

• Humanists do celebrate important life events, but this is done differently.

• For a wedding, couples will write down their own vows and promises rather than basing it on what religious text says.

• Humanists do have a naming ceremony for their baby.

• Parents write down the promises they have for their child.