Humanism
Humanism is a philosophical and ethical stance that emphasizes the value and agency of human beings, individually and collectively, and generally prefers critical thinking and evidence-based reasoning over acceptance of dogma or superstition. Here are some key points about humanism:
History of Humanism
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Classical Roots: The term "humanism" is rooted in the study of classical antiquity during the Renaissance. This period saw a revival of interest in the literature, philosophy, and art of Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome, which was termed "studia humanitatis" or the study of humanity.
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Medieval and Renaissance Humanism: During the medieval period, humanism evolved into a movement that valued human potential, rationality, and the study of the humanities over purely religious concerns. Figures like Petrarch are often cited as early humanists due to their focus on individual experience and the secular world.
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Modern Humanism: By the 19th and 20th centuries, humanism had evolved into various forms including secular humanism, which focuses on human values without reference to religion, and religious humanism, which seeks to harmonize humanist values with religious beliefs.
Key Principles of Humanism
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Human Agency: Humanism posits that humans have the ability to shape their own lives and destinies through reason, science, and creativity.
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Ethics: Humanists often develop ethical systems based on human needs, values, and rights rather than divine command or religious texts.
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Reason and Science: There is a strong emphasis on the use of reason, critical thinking, and the scientific method to understand the world and improve the human condition.
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Individualism: The worth and dignity of the individual are paramount, leading to principles like freedom of thought and expression.
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Compassion and Tolerance: Humanists advocate for social justice, compassion, and tolerance, fostering a community where all can live with dignity.
Humanism in Education
Humanistic education focuses on the development of the whole person, emphasizing creativity, personal growth, and the importance of understanding and expressing one's emotions and thoughts. This approach often contrasts with traditional education models that focus more on rote learning and standardized testing.
Contemporary Humanism
Today, humanism manifests in various organizations and movements like the Humanist Manifesto series, which outlines contemporary humanist principles, and groups like the American Humanist Association, which promotes humanist values through advocacy, education, and community.
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