DEFINING HUMANISM

(from an abstract of an article by Paul Kurtz in the new magazine Philo about humanism)

I wish to propose a minimal core definition. Although this is normative, it is continuous with common usage:

• First: Humanism expresses a set of values and virtues, emphasizing human freedom and autonomy. This ethical theory contrasts with divine-command ethics.
• Second: Humanism rejects supernaturalism. Humanism should not simply be equated with atheism; rather, it proposes a reflective form of agnostic or skeptical atheism.
• Third: Secular Humanism is committed to a key epistemological principle: a method of inquiry that emphasizes reason and scientific objectivity.
• Fourth: Humanism has a nonreductive naturalistic ontology drawn from the sciences.
• Last: Humanist philosophers should not only be concerned with theoretical issues, but with the role of humanism in practical life as an alternative to theistic religion.