Humanism

Humanism is opposed to absolutism and to transcendence of truth and reality. Absolute truth and reality can only be defined as unattainable by man and absolutist doctrine cannot really establish a relationship between its use of the terms absolute truth and reality and the human use of theses terms; but the truth and reality for man are attainable by man and are sufficient for man. Claims of metaphysical systems to absolute and exclusive truth are refuted by the multiplicity of differing systems making such claims. Humanism does not deny the right to set up a metaphysical system; it does deny the right to claim infallibility and to force others to accept what is essentially a philosopher's personal system. Humanism thus substitutes for belief in an absolute and immutable truth a common truth which rests on social agreement and grows as human knowledge grows. It implies toleration, not persecution, and respect for common sense rather than dialectical subtleties.

Modern humanism starts with a feeling of wonder at the unfathomable mystery of life, which the individual can explore using his own natural (and not infallible) faculties. Within the limit of his own abilities, he is capable of achieving an existence worthy of humanity, not in slavery to inefficacious instincts. He makes use of all his natural faculties - the [concept of reality]

as received through his impressions, the [passions]

, [instincts]

, and the [sense of value]

or power of [discernment]

. Through [humanist counselling]

, the individual is aided in appraising his own experiences by self-examination and by projection, leading to the fullest possible maturity and actualization.

Humanism declares that the universe exists of itself and not as the creation of some deity. Mankind is part of the universe, arising naturally in the evolutionary process. Because humanism rejects the concept of a higher authority than the enlightened individual, and even that the human can really be aware of such an authority if it exists, it rejects religion as such and has been active in banning religious teaching in schools. It considers that the individual has the right to believe in a religion but not to attempt to indoctrinate or coerce others into that belief. It considers all religions to be an attempt to build society around basic human values combined with a fear of death that leads to religion as a belief in individual immortality. Humanism, closing the gap between the religious and the secular, can provide a philosophy that gives meaning to life without the necessity to postulate a deity. The real belief of humanism is that, rejecting religion, mankind can still appreciate positive values and create a society in which they are attainable.