Question to all R&S participants?

Question

What are your thoughts on Humanism? What are your thoughts about Humanists?

Answer 1

Humanists rock.

If not for humanism during the renaissance we would be stuck in the Dark Ages.

Answer 2

I generally agree with Humanism. In fact I arranged a Humanist funeral for my Dad, which was a very touching experience.

However, I don't have much knowledge of it, although my Mother-in-Law subscribes to the New Humanist Magazine.

I find it to be fairly 'strong'ly atheist, dismissing pretty much any spirituality. And since I have a vague 'spiritual' side, I've never formally 'signed up'.

Makes interesting reading though!
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Answer 3

WHICH ONE ARE YOU ASKING ABOUT??????
Literary Humanism is a devotion to the humanities or literary culture.

Renaissance Humanism is the spirit of learning that developed at the end of the middle ages with the revival of classical letters and a renewed confidence in the ability of human beings to determine for themselves truth and falsehood.

Cultural Humanism is the rational and empirical tradition that originated largely in ancient Greece and Rome, evolved throughout European history, and now constitutes a basic part of the Western approach to science, political theory, ethics, and law.

Philosphical Humanism is any outlook or way of life centered on human need and interest. Sub-categories of this type include Christian Humanism and Modern Humanism.

Christian Humanism is defined by Webster's Third New International Dictionary as "a philosophy advocating the self- fulfillment of man within the framework of Christian principles." This more human-oriented faith is largely a product of the Renaissance and is a part of what made up Renaissance humanism.

Modern Humanism, also called Naturalistic Humanism, Scientific Humanism, Ethical Humanism and Democratic Humanism is defined by one of its leading proponents, Corliss Lamont, as "a naturalistic philosophy that rejects all supernaturalism and relies primarily upon reason and science, democracy and human compassion." Modern Humanism has a dual origin, both secular and religious, and these constitute its sub-categories.

Secular Humanism is an outgrowth of 18th century enlightenment rationalism and 19th century freethought. Many secular groups, such as the Council for Democratic and Secular Humanism and the American Rationalist Federation, and many otherwise unaffiliated academic philosophers and scientists, advocate this philosophy.

Religious Humanism emerged out of Ethical Culture, Unitarianism, and Universalism. Today, many Unitarian- Universalist congregations and all

Answer 4

Humanists affirm that each human being is born with the capacity to decide for themselves what is right and what is wrong and to apply the difference by rational thought.
In other words humans must not rely on revelations, mysticism or tradition to decide what is truth, but must find truth in some other ways (it is not quite clear how, at least to me).
As a theory it is brilliant but in practice it falls way short of
its promise because we all know how irrational people can be
or how much people like to delude themselves.

Answer 5

If you're talking secular humanism, I tend to agree with it myself. I would consider myself a Humanist. I believe all people are born with dignity and self worth. I believe all people(minus those with mental conditions) can learn and understand the difference between right and wrong. I think those that break the law or lack ethics, choose to do so.

Answer 6

I'm a big fan of humanist philosophy, but believe that is should not be found in any formalized meetings beyond coffee shops.

Answer 7

I hope I'm not the only one who had to look this up.

I agree with Humanists for the most part and I applaud their history.

Answer 8

Without humanists throughout the ages, we would probably have a theocracy and still be stuck in the Dark Ages.
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Answer 9

every one is humanist most of the time.
One only attracts when he is inhumane.
I think I am humanist to normal level.
A person who never thought of god is also human. It needs love and hope not religion.
And religion is born to enhance humanism not invent it.
Hinduism says that "every one one on earth is one big family"

Answer 10

I think we are a damn fine group of people. And I also think *some* people here have no clue as to what a humanist is.