WordGarden.iohumanism
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /hjˈuːmənˌɪzəm/
US
- /ˈhjuməˌnɪzəm/
Meanings
Noun
an ethical or philosophical outlook centered on human dignity, reason, and welfare
the Renaissance cultural movement emphasizing classical learning and human potential
Beyond the definition
Humanism is about putting human beings, human dignity, and human reason at the center. It is a way of thinking that values people's ability to learn, choose, create, and build a good society. In many modern contexts, it also means trying to live with reason, empathy, and responsibility instead of depending on religious belief or supernatural explanations.
Historically, humanism became especially important during the Renaissance, when scholars turned back to ancient Greek and Roman texts and took a strong interest in language, learning, art, and human potential. Today, the word is often used for a secular life view, but it can also refer more broadly to ideas that focus on human welfare, freedom, and growth.
Humanism is a philosophical stance that emphasizes the value and agency of human beings, individually and collectively. It's a complex idea with roots stretching back centuries, but at its core, it prioritizes reason, ethics, and justice in guiding human life – all without relying on supernatural beliefs or religious dogma.
The term first gained prominence during the Renaissance (14th-16th centuries), when scholars rediscovered classical texts from ancient Greece and Rome. These writings celebrated human achievement, potential, and intellectual curiosity, shifting attention toward human life, education, and culture rather than only divine matters. This "Renaissance humanism" helped shape later developments in education, scholarship, art, and scientific inquiry.
Today, "humanism" often refers to secular or non-religious humanism, a life stance that affirms our ability and responsibility to lead ethical lives based on reason and compassion. Humanists usually stress the inherent dignity of every individual and support human welfare, equality, and careful thinking. They tend to look for solutions through evidence, dialogue, and shared human responsibility.
You might encounter humanism discussed in relation to:
- Ethics: Humanist ethics focus on maximizing well-being for all sentient beings.
- Psychology: Humanistic psychology (like the work of Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow) emphasizes personal growth and self-actualization.
- Art & Literature: Works that celebrate human experience, emotion, and potential often reflect humanist themes.
It's important to note that the word does not always mean exactly the same thing in every context. In one context, it may describe a Renaissance movement in learning and culture. In another, it may describe a modern non-religious outlook. In both cases, the central idea is a strong belief in human worth, human thought, and human possibility.
Examples
- 1
Renaissance study
Many students first encounter humanism when they study Renaissance Europe.
- 2
Teaching values
Her teaching reflects a humanism that puts people before rules.
- 3
Literary criticism
Critics praised the novel's humanism, especially in the way it treats poor and vulnerable characters.
- 4
Charity work
The charity's work is driven by a practical humanism rather than by ideology.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Secular ethics
Secular humanism offers a moral framework without relying on religion.
- Phrasesecular humanism
humanism based on human reason and ethics, not religion
See also
Similar
- human-centered philosophy
- human-centered ethics
Contrast
- theocentrism
- nihilism
Do not confuse
- humanitarianism
Used with (collocations)
- secular humanism
- Renaissance humanism
- Christian humanism
Word family
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Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- humanismnoun