Wikipedia defines humanism as: "Humanism is a broad category of ethical philosophies that affirm the dignity and worth of all people, based on the ability to determine right and wrong by appeal to universal human qualities—particularly rationality.[1][2] It is a component of a variety of more specific philosophical systems and is incorporated into several religious schools of thought. Humanism entails a commitment to the search for truth and morality through human means in support of human interests. In focusing on the capacity for self-determination, Humanism rejects the validity of transcendental justifications, such as a dependence on belief without reason, the supernatural, or allegedly divinely revealed texts. Humanists endorse universal morality based on the commonality of the human condition, suggesting that solutions to human social and cultural problems cannot be parochial"
I believe that this belief system offers an alternative to ancient religions, such as christianity.
2007-09-27 13:15:59 · 17 answers · asked by justme 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
because it is a man-made religion, mde up on the fly by its own high priests. No mysteries, nothing to hold your interest. Make up anything you want and go along, noone cares.
2007-09-27 13:18:52 · answer #1 · answered by defOf 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋
The reason there aren't any questions is simply because humanism is what it sounds like; basically what humans think is right. I believe that it is a belief held commonly by people who don't know they even believe it. So the reason there aren't any questions is that if there is one, humanism enables us to just make up ("rationalize") an answer to our liking.
The main flaw with humanism is that it assumes, without some greater power that there is some universal norm of morality. If we assume the validity of humanism, it cannot exist that there is a such a universal. What is in my human interest is may not be in anyone else's. Because it assumes a universal, it automatically assumes that any exception to the norm is wrong, which therefore bars any means of social progress.
It's not a matter of having an "alternative" to religion. It's a matter of truth.
2007-09-27 20:22:24 · answer #2 · answered by jaceman 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Most humanists don't consider themselves Religious or Spiritual... so why would questions about it be here? Maybe in the Society and Culture - Other section? Or philosophy? Which is really what it is afterall... a philosophy about life and how to deal with it on individual and societal levels. Now, I'm sure there's Humanists here that answer questions according to their personal beliefs (or lack thereof), but questions about Humanism in particular wouldn't really fit with the theme of this place.
Besides, most people think all Humanists are Atheists anyway. ^_^
2007-09-27 20:32:56 · answer #3 · answered by River 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Your question is very valid.
The problem is that humanists
would resist saying they are spiritual or religious,
thus the category here doesn't fit.
Though you are correct that technically it can
be called a religion in a certain context and is
certainly part of many religions with supernatural beliefs.
2007-09-27 20:20:30 · answer #4 · answered by bark 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Most religions are based on the belief of a power greater than ourselves. Even our scientists realize there is no "proof" of the big bang theory. Can you tell me then, how the humanists might approach the question of creation and how we got here?
I find it a fair alternative to organized religion as it is presented here however, where is the structure and who would set forth the laws and tenets of humanism?
2007-09-27 20:26:34 · answer #5 · answered by Chris B 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
What is the difference between it and atheism?
0 witness -- Total Ignorance
1 witness -- opinion, assertion, (man, a false god)
2 or more witnesses -- Judaism,Islam, Christianity
Is not humanism a 1 witness belief?
2007-09-27 20:25:44 · answer #6 · answered by jefferyspringer57@sbcglobal.net 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Because it is an ethical Philosophy, not a religion or form of spirituality.
2007-09-27 20:20:07 · answer #7 · answered by Tripper 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
christianity comes right off the bat and says Nature and Humanity is doomed, sinfull and not to be trusted
automatically, there are psychiatrists who don't want to help them get out, since they have a constant source of revenue from this anti trust of "self"
I'll ask one!
2007-09-27 20:19:06 · answer #8 · answered by voice_of_reason 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Secular humanism for the win.
2007-09-27 20:18:41 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
So... talking about war, peace, hunger, children, abuse, love, sexual orientations, religion, even Freud!; etc, etc, etc, is not good enough for you?
Maybe you need to read the questions more carefully, and not just discarding them because they do not refer directly to... "Humanism".
2007-09-27 20:26:03 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋