Humanism is a philosophical, ethical, and cultural stance that emphasizes the value and agency of human beings, individually and collectively. It advocates for reason, critical thinking, and evidence-based understanding of the world, often placing human experience and rationality at the center of its worldview.
Humanism typically promotes the following principles:
- Focus on Human Values: It prioritizes human needs, interests, and rights, often seeking to improve human welfare and promote social justice.
- Rationalism and Empiricism: Humanists advocate for a scientific approach to understanding the world, valuing reason, observation, and logic over superstition and dogma.
- Ethical Life: Humanism encourages ethical living based on human values rather than religious mandates, promoting morality derived from human experience and mutual respect.
- Individual and Collective Flourishing: The philosophy supports the idea that individuals should have the freedom to pursue their own paths while recognizing the importance of community and social bonds.
- Cultural and Artistic Expression: Humanism appreciates and promotes the arts and humanities as vital expressions of the human experience.
Overall, humanism strives to create a society that fosters human potential and dignity, often advocating for secularism in governance and education.
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