Humanists and Humanism
Humanists believe it possible to enjoy a productive, rewarding and pleasurable life relying only on human knowledge and experience. We put our faith in social cooperation, based on trust, tolerance and goodwill. Humanists accept that we humans are on our own, and that this life is the only one we will know. We recognise that humans are part of the natural world and that our survival as a species depends on a biologically diverse and sustainable environment.
Humanists:
- are concerned to act in ways that advance the well-being of humanity for both present as well as future generations.
- are convinced that human capabilities provide infinite resources with which to shape worthwhile lives and build civilised societies.
- consider we are on our own, the product of natural processes unaided by supernatural forces.
- recognise the importance of living in ways that preserve existing biodiversity and sustain the Earth's resources for future generations.
Concern for the wellbeing of humanity flows from our belief that all people should be able to lead dignified and fulfilling lives, regardless of sex, age, location, economic status, ethnic origin or life style. In supporting equality, Humanists consider that the Earth's resources should be equitably shared to meet the essential needs of all the world's people. All people should feel safe and secure, and have access to processes which enable social tensions to be resolved by negotiation. People should be able to express themselves freely, providing this does not incite others to violent acts. All people should be able to do this within societies where civil, legal, political, environmental and economic rights are guaranteed. Humanists show commitment to these broad goals by active involvement in community, national and international groups working towards the betterment of human conditions and the conservation of nature.
Second, Humanists consider that our only resources are the stuff of the universe and human capabilities. Canadian Humanist, John Ralston Saul, describes these capabilities as creativity, common sense, ethics, intuition, memory and reason. However human capabilities are described, they provide potentially infinite resources for shaping human societies and individual lives. Humanists do not accept that existing knowledge and social conventions, are either necessarily true or in the interests of the greater good. Humanists are by nature sceptics. We like to critically examine issues and require good evidence before we will support any claim. As sceptical questioners Humanists attempt to remain open-minded and tolerant, to avoid being dogmatic on any issue.
This open-minded, freethinking approach is best expressed by science. As an activity science is an open-ended. Science knowledge is considered as provisional, and therefore subject to change and revision as new observations, theories or technological probes provide new information. The methods used by scientists are rigorously scrutinised and evaluated by a collegiate of experts. Humanists therefore value science highly, both as a source of useful knowledge and for the integrity of the methods scientists use.
More recently it has become apparent that many human actions are influenced by emotional desires which elude rationality. Humanists believe that these subconscious yearnings need to be recognised as further complexities in the human condition. As a consequence of the provisional nature of knowledge, and complexity of human behaviour Humanists are prepared to live with doubt and uncertainty. Nevertheless we also live with the hope that humans can work together to create a better future.
Third, the understanding that we humans are on our own characterises Humanists of the present era. Typical of their times, early Humanists had no urge to disclaim prevailing religious beliefs. Since the times of Darwin a purely materialistic explanation of the existence of humans and other life forms, can be maintained. Nowadays Humanists consider that we humans are 'on our own' in the sense that we are the product of natural events occurring in an indifferent universe. On the available evidence the possibility of supernatural entities with personal interests in humankind seem highly improbable. Neither is there any credible evidence that existence continues beyond death, other than as memory. Twentieth century Humanists are therefore atheists or agnostics.
Fourth, we consider it a prime human responsibility to act in ways that preserve and conserve the nature. Humanist have had a long-standing concern over the exponential human population growth, solutions to which have been deliberately undermined by the attitudes and lobbying of powerful religious groups. Increasingly we have also realised the need to live in ways that do not use the Earth's natural resources beyond sustainability levels. Within Humanist circles there is growing recognition of the intrinsic worth and rights of other living beings. Some Humanists express this by adopting a vegetarian life style.
Taken together, these four life beliefs explain why a Humanist response to 'How shall we live?' will differ from that of the non-humanist. While non-humanists may be concerned about the well-being of humanity many accept on faith age-old, cultural and religious views, that were laid down in the remote past. This unquestioned acceptance of long established answers causes many problems for both individuals as well as societies. Living with unalterable givens places limits on social negotiation. Those with rigid concepts of social and sexual relationships, moral codes, explanations for human origins, have difficulties in the pluralistic mix of today's Australian society. Whereas Humanists support the right of people to make choices in how they lead their lives in terms of life style choices, relationships, euthanasia, using contraceptives or having an abortion and other decisions, religious groups proscribe many of these choices. Belief in a perceived personal relationship with a divinity, and the possibility of reincarnation or life-after-death, leads non-humanists to tackle issues from a different framework. In regard to the environment and other living things, non-humanists may view these as created by a deity, for human use and abuse. Humanists do not agree with this view, neither do we accept the concept of nature being sacred. However, Humanists believe humans need to act towards nature in ways that balance sustainable, diverse ecosystems, with the provision of essential human needs.
Humanists believe in enjoying life to the full. We do this in a range of diverse ways - some by a special passion for music, creative arts, writing, politics, history, science or sport, - others through more eclectic tastes in a range of human activities.
Humanists consider what is passed between the generations as 'guides to survival'. Some information is useful because it matches what we encounter, whereas some cause needless suffering and anguish and should be rejected. Because Humanists do not regard these 'guides' as a source of ultimate truth to be preserved for all time, they challenge unreasonable cultural habits. In the manner of earlier social reformers Humanists of today are active lobbying for social justice (equality for all regardless of gender, ethnic origin, sexual inclination, economic status), personal freedom and civil rights (access to contraceptives, abortion, voluntary euthanasia, reform of drug laws), and ecological sustainability (population control, conservation of natural habitats and maintenance of biodiversity).
The life philosophy as outlined above is called Humanism. A nineteenth century concept, which has evolved from early forms of humanistic thinking dating back several thousand of years to the ancient Greeks. Today Humanism is considered one of the most important strands of philosophical thinking in Western civilization. Characterised by open-mindedness and freethinking with an emphasis on the use of reason, Humanism is a powerful influence in the modern world.
The above is a brief account of what Humanism, and being a Humanist means to me. Others would express this differently. I conclude with a minimal statement of how Humanism is understood by members of Humanist Societies. Though lacking in details it encapsulates the core sentiments of Humanism:
Humanism is a democratic and ethical life stance which affirms that human beings have the right and responsibility to give meaning and shape to their own lives. It stands for the building of a more humane society through ethics based on human and natural values in a spirit of reason and free enquiry through human capabilities. Humanists do not accept supernatural views of reality.1
Further Reading
1 Endorsed in 1995 by the International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU).
