What is secular Humanism?
Secular Humanism is a non-theistic philosophy and ethical outlook. It treats the natural world as the setting for human life and looks to evidence, critical inquiry and reason when forming explanations. In ethics, it emphasizes human welfare, individual dignity, mutual responsibility and the consequences of our choices.
Humanists are not defined by one creed or institution. Their views vary, but many place human beings and other living things near the center of moral concern, support universal human rights and seek conditions in which people can flourish across national, cultural and religious boundaries.
A naturalistic outlook
The world is generally understood through observation, evidence and scientific inquiry rather than supernatural explanations.
Reasoned ethics
Moral principles can be developed through reflection, empathy, experience and open discussion without requiring belief in a deity.
Human dignity
Equal rights, freedom of conscience and fair opportunities are central concerns.
Shared responsibility
People are responsible for addressing suffering and improving the communities and environments they share.
Belief and nonbelief
Many secular Humanists are atheists or agnostics. Others simply regard questions about deities as unresolved or outside the practical focus of their worldview. The common ground is not a required position on every theological question, but an effort to build meaning and ethics from human experience in the natural world.
Humanists commonly understand religions and concepts of deity as products of human cultures and histories. This differs from the teachings of traditions that regard revelation or divine authority as the primary source of truth. Describing this disagreement accurately does not require dismissing the sincerity or dignity of religious people.
Ethics and public life
Secular Humanist ethics usually ask how choices affect people, other living beings and the wider environment. Humanists may weigh wellbeing, autonomy, justice, evidence and preventable harm when considering a moral question. As with every broad worldview, individual Humanists may reach different conclusions.
Humanist organizations have often supported human rights, equality before the law, freedom of religion and nonreligion, and the institutional separation of religion and government. Related discussions in this archive include:
- Separation of religion and government
- Human rights and women's rights
- Equal treatment regardless of sexual orientation
- Transgender experiences and rights
- Marriage equality
- Abortion policy and end-of-life assistance
Historical roots
Modern secular Humanism developed through several intellectual streams, including Enlightenment rationalism, scientific naturalism and the freethought movements of the 18th and 19th centuries. It also draws on older traditions of human-centered ethical reflection. Its history overlaps with, but is not identical to, religious Humanism and Renaissance Humanism.
Humanist manifestos
Humanist manifestos are public statements that summarize principles and aspirations held by particular authors and signatories. They are historical and ethical documents, not binding creeds for every Humanist. Later statements have revised earlier language as social conditions, scientific knowledge and public debates changed.
The manifestos commonly discuss naturalism, democratic participation, ethical responsibility, human rights and the pursuit of a more just society. They are best read in their historical context and compared with the range of Humanist thought rather than treated as a single timeless definition.