What Is It
Humanism as a movement arose with the Renaissance. It took powerful expression with the Enlightenment, and deeply influenced the founding of the United States. But now "secular humanism" is widely decried and even derided. What was Humanism, and what has it become? In an age of appreciating the interconnectedness of all nature, is the Humanist enterprise out of date? Ken and John are joined by Jennifer Bardi, editor of The Humanist magazine, for a program recorded live at the 69th annual conference of the American Humanist Association in San Jose.
Listening Notes
Ken begins with the question: What could be controversial about humanism? Humanism began in the Renaissance with a renewed appreciation for classical art, rejecting the Medieval focus on the afterlife, which ultimately led to the Renaissance and the modern world as we know it. But, as John reminds us, that account avoids the controversy altogether. One can certainly object to current humanist philosophies without objecting to its historical importance. Ken agrees, admitting that ‘humanism’ must be distinguished from ‘secular humanism,’ a modern movement that urges its adherents to focus on this life as the only life.
What does it really mean to be a humanist? Jennifer joins the conversation to help answer our questions. Does a humanist have to be an atheist? Perhaps not, but Jennifer admits that talk of spirituality does not fill the humanist convention. Jennifer calls humanists ‘godless do-gooders, while atheists are merely godless.’
If humanists believe the world to be a rational, godless place, then doesn’t it follow that we are merely one species among many? So, then, why human-ism? Are humanists species-ists? Without God, how do we justify the unique treatment of the human species? Jennifer believes that the name ‘humanism’ may be misleading, that humanists do not necessarily feel that humans are inherently more deserving than other species.
Do some view humanism as a substitute for religion? Can humanism hope to replace religion? One problem that an audience member brings up is that God provides meaning, but how do humanists hope to provide genuine meaning to life without invoking God or a higher power? John, Ken, and Jennifer band together to insist that meaning can be found in a Godless world, even offering individual suggestions as to how to find that meaning.
- Roving Philosophical Report (seek to 6:15): Rina Palta travels to a humanist conference to find out exactly what being a humanist is all about. And she found more than just ‘Blasphemy Jeopardy,’ she found Bill Nye the Science Guy, who won the most recent humanist of the year award.
- 60-Second Philosopher (seek to 50:15): According to Ian Shoales, humanism replaces centuries of eclectic religious traditions with…evolution? What’s the attraction? Humanism seems boring. There’s not even a secret handshake!
Comments (3)
muntaziracademy
Thursday, March 27, 2025 -- 1:34 PM
yes you re right humanism isyes you re right humanism is converted into secualr humanism now and online Shia Quran academy basic concern is teaching online Quran to shia kids and all groups of ages and male and female both
onlineshiaquran...
Monday, April 28, 2025 -- 3:57 PM
very good topic is discussedvery good topic is discussed keep sharing quality content with us thanks and Our Quran Teaching Center is recognized worldwide as the leading online institution. specially made for the children and adults of Shia families living in foreign countries. our Online Shia Quran Teacher provides online classes worldwide. Both children and adults are taught in our institution
seminary
Monday, April 28, 2025 -- 5:15 PM
to get the answers of yourto get the answers of your questions I will recommend you Shia Quran Seminary one of the best online Quran-teaching platforms of Shia religious Using the latest technology, we aim to provide the best Shia Quran classes online facilities for all age groups, especially children