Key People in the Humanist Tradition (Leaving Cert Religious Education): Revision Notes
Key People in the Humanist Tradition
What is humanism?
Humanism is a philosophy and approach to life that rejects supernatural explanations and instead focuses on human dignity, worth and the ability to improve through reason. This worldview emphasises that through continued discovery and rational thinking, humanity can achieve remarkable accomplishments and address the challenges we face.
Core Principles of Humanism:
- Rejection of supernaturalism - There is nothing higher than human existence
- Human potential - People possess everything needed for a dignified life
- Science and reason - These hold the keys to solving life's problems and understanding the universe
- Self-reliance - Humans can solve their own issues without relying on fate or divine intervention
Desiderius Erasmus (1466-1536)
Background
Erasmus was a Dutch scholar and devoted Christian who was orphaned at a young age. Despite his Christian faith, he became a significant figure in humanist thought. As a published author, he believed deeply in human potential for improvement.
Key teaching: education and questioning
Erasmus championed the transformative power of education, arguing that through learning, individuals could gain dignity and develop the ability to better themselves and society as a whole.
Education and Social Progress
His ideas remain relevant today - regions where education is valued tend to experience greater peace and prosperity, while areas lacking educational opportunities often struggle.
He also promoted scepticism - the practice of questioning authority and ideas at all levels of society. This approach suggests that those in power should be held accountable and questioned, as this leads to more democratic political systems.
Erasmus believed that both education and the freedom to question authority were essential for human flourishing and societal progress. These two pillars - learning and critical thinking - remain fundamental to humanist philosophy today.
Albert Camus (1913-1960)
Background
Camus was a French-Algerian writer and philosopher from a poor, working-class family who lived through both World Wars. Although he won the Nobel Prize for Literature and many considered him an existentialist, he identified himself as a humanist. His most famous work, "The Stranger," reflects his philosophical outlook.
Key teaching: absurdism and the myth of Sisyphus
Camus developed the philosophy of absurdism, which suggests that human attempts to find absolute meaning or purpose in life are fundamentally absurd. This is because the information available to us is limited, making it impossible to truly define or understand the inherent meaning of existence.
The Sisyphus Analogy
Camus used the Greek myth of Sisyphus to illustrate his philosophy. Sisyphus was condemned by the gods to roll a boulder up a mountain each day, only to watch it roll back down - a meaningless, repetitive task.
However, Camus asks us to imagine that Sisyphus is happy at the end of each day's work, satisfied with his effort despite the apparent pointlessness. This powerful image shows how we can find contentment even in seemingly meaningless activities.
Living with absurdity - "carpe diem"
Rather than advocating a "YOLO" mentality, Camus promoted "carpe diem" (seize the day). This approach allows humans to live their lives to the fullest, embracing both the absurdity and beauty of human existence.
Camus's Practical Message:
- Accept that much of life may seem meaningless
- Instead of ending one's life due to this meaninglessness, choose to enjoy it as much as possible
- Make the most of your present and future
- You have only one life to live, so find the good and joy even in mundane, apparently pointless tasks
Key Points to Remember:
- Humanism emphasises human dignity and reason over supernatural explanations for life's questions
- Erasmus believed education and questioning authority were the keys to human progress and societal improvement
- Camus developed absurdism - the idea that searching for absolute meaning in life is futile
- The Sisyphus myth teaches us to find satisfaction and happiness even in seemingly meaningless tasks
- Both thinkers focused on human potential - our ability to improve ourselves and create meaningful lives through our own efforts