Milton Keynes Humanists
HUMANISM
Humanism - a positive approach to life
"The humanist enterprise (small h) is an individual one, about accepting full responsibility
for one's existence and behavior as a part of the natural world — a position that involves
liberating oneself from dependence upon others for finding a positive purpose in life.
The Humanist enterprise (capital H) is to encourage and assist as many folks
as possible to make this transition to maturity in their lives." Don Page
We are preparing a range of articles and other information about Humanism and hope to have this available shortly, so do please come back! And do let us know if you have material that you think will enhance our website.
- ATHEISM, AGNOSTICISM & HUMANISM - What's the Difference?
- HUMANIST MANIFESTOS & DECLARATIONS
- FAMOUS ATHEISTS, AGNOSTICS & HUMANISTS
You will also find a clear statement of what it means to be an Atheist, Deist or Theist — or Gnostic or Agnostic — on in the video page
(top video).
ATHEISM, AGNOSTICISM & HUMANISM - What's the Difference?
Atheism
Atheists are people who do not believe in a god or gods (or other immaterial beings), or who believe that these concepts are not meaningful. Some atheists put it more firmly and believe that god or gods do not exist. Many people are atheists because they think there is no evidence for god's existence - or at least no reliable evidence. They argue that a person should only believe in things for which they have good evidence.
Atheists are people who do not believe in a god or gods (or other immaterial beings), or who believe that these concepts are not meaningful. Some atheists put it more firmly and believe that god or gods do not exist. Many people are atheists because they think there is no evidence for god's existence - or at least no reliable evidence. They argue that a person should only believe in things for which they have good evidence.
Agnosticism
Agnosticism (without knowledge) is the view that the truth of certain claims — particularly metaphysical claims regarding theology, afterlife or the existence of god, deities, or even ultimate reality — is unknown or inherently unknowable. Agnosticism is therefore distinct in being the only religious belief system that does not, in fact, involve belief in anything. Agnostics are skeptical of anyone who claims to have all the answers regarding why humans exist, where the universe came from, and whether or not a higher power is responsible for it all. They view hardcore atheists and religious fanatics with equal scorn, and often attribute to them the harm that's done to others as a result of their 'fanatical' attempts to propagate their often extreme views. Most agnostics consider that the comprehension of god is beyond man's capabilities and that there are far better things to do in a brief life span than sit around trying to figure everything out. [There isn't really an accepted symbol for agnosticism.]
Agnosticism (without knowledge) is the view that the truth of certain claims — particularly metaphysical claims regarding theology, afterlife or the existence of god, deities, or even ultimate reality — is unknown or inherently unknowable. Agnosticism is therefore distinct in being the only religious belief system that does not, in fact, involve belief in anything. Agnostics are skeptical of anyone who claims to have all the answers regarding why humans exist, where the universe came from, and whether or not a higher power is responsible for it all. They view hardcore atheists and religious fanatics with equal scorn, and often attribute to them the harm that's done to others as a result of their 'fanatical' attempts to propagate their often extreme views. Most agnostics consider that the comprehension of god is beyond man's capabilities and that there are far better things to do in a brief life span than sit around trying to figure everything out. [There isn't really an accepted symbol for agnosticism.]
Ignosticism
Ignosticism is the theological position that every other theological position assumes too much about the concept of God. Ignosticism holds two interrelated views about God. They are as follows: 1) The view that a coherent definition of God must be presented before the question of the existence of god can be meaningfully discussed. 2) If the definition provided is unfalsifiable, the ignostic takes the theological non-cognitivist position that the question of the existence of God is meaningless. In other words, a) a definition which is incoherent can’t be about anything, and b) a definition which isn’t about anything cannot be said to be meaningful.
Ignosticism is the theological position that every other theological position assumes too much about the concept of God. Ignosticism holds two interrelated views about God. They are as follows: 1) The view that a coherent definition of God must be presented before the question of the existence of god can be meaningfully discussed. 2) If the definition provided is unfalsifiable, the ignostic takes the theological non-cognitivist position that the question of the existence of God is meaningless. In other words, a) a definition which is incoherent can’t be about anything, and b) a definition which isn’t about anything cannot be said to be meaningful.
Humanism
Humanism is a positive attitude to the world, centred on human experience, thought, and hopes. It 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 an ethic based on human and other natural values in the spirit of reason and free inquiry through human capabilities. It is not theistic, and it does not accept supernatural views of reality. Most humanists would argue that there are no supernatural beings; that the material universe is the only thing that exists; that science provides the only reliable source of knowledge about this universe; and that there is no after-life and no such thing as reincarnation. Human beings can live ethical and fulfilling lives without religious beliefs. We should derive our moral code from the lessons of history, personal experience and thought.
Humanism is a positive attitude to the world, centred on human experience, thought, and hopes. It 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 an ethic based on human and other natural values in the spirit of reason and free inquiry through human capabilities. It is not theistic, and it does not accept supernatural views of reality. Most humanists would argue that there are no supernatural beings; that the material universe is the only thing that exists; that science provides the only reliable source of knowledge about this universe; and that there is no after-life and no such thing as reincarnation. Human beings can live ethical and fulfilling lives without religious beliefs. We should derive our moral code from the lessons of history, personal experience and thought.
There's a slightly longer description of Humanism at the bottom of the page. You might also like to read an excellent summary of Humanism and Humanist values
(by Norman Bacrac).]
HUMANIST MANIFESTOS & DECLARATIONS
In 1952, at the first World Humanist Congress, the founders of International Humanist and Ethical Union
(IHEU) agreed a statement of the fundamental principles of modern Humanism. They called it 'The Amsterdam Declaration'. The Amsterdam Declaration of 1952 was a child of its time. For example, it was set in the world of great power politics and the Cold War, and it asserted that “humanists have confidence that the present crisis can be surmounted”.
As befits the nature of Humanism — friendly to evolution, anathema to dogma — the statement was updated in 2002. The 50th anniversary World Humanist Congress, again meeting in the Netherlands, unanimously passed a resolution known as 'The Amsterdam Declaration 2002'. Following the Congress, this updated declaration was adopted unanimously by the IHEU General Assembly, and thus became the official defining statement of World Humanism.
As befits the nature of Humanism — friendly to evolution, anathema to dogma — the statement was updated in 2002. The 50th anniversary World Humanist Congress, again meeting in the Netherlands, unanimously passed a resolution known as 'The Amsterdam Declaration 2002'. Following the Congress, this updated declaration was adopted unanimously by the IHEU General Assembly, and thus became the official defining statement of World Humanism.
There are two other major declarations to note:
- the 2019 Reykjavik Declaration on the Climate Change Crisis, which calls for “urgent action” on climate change; and
- the 2023 Copenhagen Declaration on Democracy: a humanist value.
Here's a brief extract from the latter: “This General Assembly notes that democracy faces many challenges globally. These challenges include the rise of authoritarianism, the suppression of human rights and civil liberties, the proliferation of disinformation and misinformation, the weakening of democratic institutions, the continued harassment of and intimidation of civil society activists, NGOs, and others working for human rights, civil engagement, and environmental sustainability, and the exacerbation of social and economic inequalities. We call on humanist organizations to play their part in confronting these threats to democracy of today in whatever ways they can.”
FAMOUS ATHEISTS, AGNOSTICS & HUMANISTS
This section will be added shortly.
This section will be added shortly.
WHAT IS HUMANISM?
Humanism is an approach to life based on reason and our common humanity, recognising that moral values are properly founded on human nature and experience alone. Humanism encourages open-minded enquiry into matters relevant to human co-existence and well-being.
Humanists are committed to the application of reason and science, to the understanding of the universe and to the solving of human problems so that quality of life can be improved for everyone. While atheism is merely the absence of belief, humanism is a positive attitude to the world, centred on human experience, thought, and hopes. The British Humanist Association and The International Humanist and Ethical Union use similar emblems showing a stylised human figure reaching out to achieve its full potential.
Humanists believe that human experience and rational thinking provide the only source of both knowledge and a moral code to live by. They reject the idea of knowledge 'revealed' to human beings by gods, or in special books.
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 an ethic based on human and other natural values in the spirit of reason and free inquiry through human capabilities. It is not theistic, and it does not accept supernatural views of reality.
Most humanists would agree with the ideas below:
• There are no supernatural beings.
• The material universe is the only thing that exists.
• Science provides the only reliable source of knowledge about this universe.
• We only live this life - there is no after-life, and no such thing as reincarnation.
• Human beings can live ethical and fulfilling lives without religious beliefs.
• Human beings derive their moral code from the lessons of history, personal experience, and thought.
This is an extract from the BBC's website (their site contains some excellent descriptions of different faiths and belief systems).
Humanists are committed to the application of reason and science, to the understanding of the universe and to the solving of human problems so that quality of life can be improved for everyone. While atheism is merely the absence of belief, humanism is a positive attitude to the world, centred on human experience, thought, and hopes. The British Humanist Association and The International Humanist and Ethical Union use similar emblems showing a stylised human figure reaching out to achieve its full potential.
Humanists believe that human experience and rational thinking provide the only source of both knowledge and a moral code to live by. They reject the idea of knowledge 'revealed' to human beings by gods, or in special books.
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 an ethic based on human and other natural values in the spirit of reason and free inquiry through human capabilities. It is not theistic, and it does not accept supernatural views of reality.
Most humanists would agree with the ideas below:
• There are no supernatural beings.
• The material universe is the only thing that exists.
• Science provides the only reliable source of knowledge about this universe.
• We only live this life - there is no after-life, and no such thing as reincarnation.
• Human beings can live ethical and fulfilling lives without religious beliefs.
• Human beings derive their moral code from the lessons of history, personal experience, and thought.
This is an extract from the BBC's website (their site contains some excellent descriptions of different faiths and belief systems).
