Humanism (Junior Cert Religious Education): Revision Notes
Humanism
What is humanism?
Humanism is a non-religious worldview that emphasises the value and importance of human beings. Unlike religious belief systems, humanists do not believe in God, gods, or supernatural forces. Instead, they focus on using reason and human experience to understand the world around us.
Humanists believe that all people have a duty to treat one another with fairness and equality. They think that life should be as fulfilling and satisfying as possible for everyone. Rather than relying on religious texts or divine guidance, humanists depend entirely on scientific evidence to make sense of life and the universe.
The key distinction of humanism is its secular approach - it provides a complete worldview and moral framework without requiring belief in supernatural elements or divine intervention.
Core beliefs of humanists
Humanist thinking is built on several key principles that form the foundation of this philosophical approach:
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Ethical focus on humanity: Humanism centres on moral beliefs about people and individuals, but without any religious framework
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Commitment to human values: The philosophy prioritises human concerns and values rather than religious doctrine or claims of divine intervention
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Evidence-based understanding: Humanists base their view of life on evidence from the natural world and scientific understanding of evolution
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Long-standing tradition: This way of thinking has been around for more than 2,500 years and continues to grow today
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Active philosophy: Humanism is described as an active, positive philosophy rather than a theology or religious system
The core values that define humanist thinking are justice, reason, and compassion. This approach is often summarised as "being good without God" - living morally and ethically without needing supernatural powers or sacred texts to guide behaviour.
Remember that humanism is not simply the absence of religious belief - it's a positive, active philosophy with its own ethical framework and values that guide how humanists approach life and moral decisions.
Key figures in humanism
Several important thinkers have contributed to the development of humanist ideas throughout history, demonstrating the intellectual depth and diversity of this philosophical tradition:
Historical humanist philosophers:
- Desiderius Erasmus - Renaissance scholar who helped develop early humanist thinking
- Jean-Paul Sartre - French philosopher who explored themes of human freedom and responsibility
- Albert Camus - Writer and philosopher who examined questions of meaning and morality
Contemporary humanists:
- Stephen Fry - British comedian, writer and broadcaster who is well-known for discussing his humanist beliefs publicly
- Ricky Gervais - Comedian and actor who advocates for humanist values
- Miley Cyrus - Popular musician who identifies with humanist principles
These figures demonstrate that humanism attracts people from many different backgrounds, including academics, entertainers, and public figures who use their platforms to discuss humanist values.
The diversity of prominent humanists - from Renaissance scholars to modern entertainers - shows how humanist principles can appeal to people across different eras, cultures, and professions.
Historical context
Humanism represents a philosophical tradition that stretches back over 2,500 years. Despite its ancient roots, it remains a thriving and active philosophy in the modern world. The Humanist Association of Ireland and similar organisations worldwide continue to promote humanist values of compassion, equality, and reason in contemporary society.
The longevity of humanist thought demonstrates its enduring relevance to human concerns about ethics, meaning, and how to live a good life without relying on supernatural beliefs.
Key Points to Remember:
- Humanism is a non-religious worldview based on reason, human experience, and scientific evidence
- The three core values are justice, reason, and compassion
- Humanists believe in "being good without God" - living ethically without supernatural guidance
- The philosophy has existed for over 2,500 years but continues to be relevant today
- Many well-known historical thinkers and contemporary public figures identify as humanists