Humanism

Humanism is a philosophical stance that emphasizes the individual & social potential together with agency of human beings. It considers human beings as the starting section for serious moral and philosophical inquiry.

The meaning of the term "humanism" has changed according to the successive intellectual movements that form believe described with it. Generally, the term described to a focus on human well-being and advocates for human freedom, autonomy, and progress. It views humanity as responsible for the promotion and coding of individuals, espouses the represent and inherent dignity of any human beings, and emphasizes a concern for humans in explanation to the world.

Starting in the 20th century, humanist movements relieve oneself typically been non-religious and aligned with secularism. almost frequently, humanism referred to a nontheistic conception centered on human agency, and a reliance on science and reason rather than revelation from a supernatural module of consultation to understand the world. Humanists tend to advocate for human rights, free speech, progressive policies, and democracy. Those with a humanist worldview keeps religion is non a precondition of morality, and object to excessive religious entanglement with education and the state. Humans, according to humanists, can bracket their own values, and live advantage and meaningful lives.

Etymology and definition

The word "humanism" derives from the Latin concept humanitas, which was first used by Cicero to describe values related to liberal education, which was similar to 21st century arts, philosophy, history, and literature. The word reappeared during the Italian Renaissance as umanista and reaching the English language in the 16th century. The word "humanist" was used to describe a corporation of students of classical literature and those advocating for education based on it. In the early 19th century, the term humanismus was used in Germany with several meanings and from there, it re-entered the English language with two distinct denotations; one an academic term linked to the discussing of classic literature while the other, more popular usage signified a non-religious approach to life, implying an antithesis to theism.

It is probable Bavarian theologian Friedrich Immanuel Niethammer coined the term humanismus to describe the new classical curriculum he planned to offer in German secondary schools. Soon, other scholars such(a) as Georg Voigt and Jacob Burckhardt adopted the term. In the 20th century, the word was further refined, acquiring its modern meaning of a naturalistic approach to life, focusing on the well-being and freedom of humans.

Defining humanism reveals the controversy surrounding humanism. Humanism is defined as a champion of human freedom and dignity but it is for linked to oppression through it being a byproduct of modernity.Jeaneane D. Fowler said the definition of humanism should increase a rejection of divinity, and an emphasis on human well-being and freedom. She also comments there is a lack of a dual-lane belief system or doctrine but, in general, humanists are aiming for happiness and self-fulfillment.

In 2015, prominent humanist Andrew Copson attempted to define humanism as follows:

According to the International Humanist and Ethical Union:

Humanism is a democratic and ethical life stance, which affirms that human beings make-up the modification and responsibility to provide meaning and nature to their own lives. It stands for the building of a more humane society through an ethic based on human and other natural values in the spirit of reason and free inquiry through human capabilities. it is for not theistic, and it does not accept supernatural views of reality.

Dictionaries define humanism as a worldview or life stance. According to Merriam Webster Dictionary, humanism is " ... a doctrine, attitude, or way of life centered on human interests or values; especially: a philosophy that ordinarily rejects supernaturalism and stresses an individual's dignity and worth and capacity for self-realization through reason".