Humanism
Humanism is the view that we can make sense of the world using reason, experience and shared human values and that we can live good lives without religious or superstitious beliefs.
Humanists seek to make the best of the one life we have by creating meaning and purpose for ourselves. We choose to take responsibility for our actions and work with others for the common good.
Humanists do not believe in a God or gods, or any other supernatural or divine entities. Humanists do not think that the universe needs a divine power outside of itself in order to have value. We, inside the universe, determine its value. We think that other people, for example, are moral concerns, not because they are made in the image of Something Else, but because of who they are in themselves.
What humanists believe
Humanism is an approach to life based on humanity and reason – humanists recognise that moral values are properly founded on human nature and experience alone and that the aims of morality should be human welfare, happiness and fulfillment. Our decisions are based on the available evidence and our assessment of the outcomes of our actions, not on any dogma or sacred text.
- Humanism is a naturalistic view, encompassing atheism and agnosticism as responses to theistic claims, but is an active and ethical philosophy greater than these reactions to religion.
- Humanists believe in individual rights and freedoms, but believe that individual responsibility, social cooperation and mutual respect are just as important.
- Humanists believe that people can and will continue to find solutions to the world's problems, so that quality of life can be improved for everyone.
- Humanists are positive, gaining inspiration from our lives, art and culture, and a rich natural world.
Humanists believe that we have only one life, it is our responsibility to make it a good life, and to live it flourishingly.
Find out more about Humanism
Humanism is an approach to life that is found throughout time and across the world in many different cultures. You can find out more about what humanists think and believe under Humanism Today, and more about how Humanism has developed over time under The Humanist Tradition.
The Humanist Philosophers have produced a booklet, What is Humanism?, available in our web shop. Also see our other publications on Humanism.
See also
- On Humanism (Routledge) - a great introduction to Humanism by BHA Vice President Richard Norman.
- Members of the Humanist Philosophers' Group answer some common questions and challenges to the humanist outlook in their Humanist FAQ.
- The philosopher and distinguished supporter of Humanism A C Grayling discusses "The milk of humanist kindness" in his Guardian Comment is Free blog (November 2006).
- "Who needs God?" – an Independent on Sunday feature about Humanism and the BHA.
- Non-religious beliefs – some definitions and distictions. What's the difference between an atheist, an agnostic and a humanist, for example?
