Secular humanism

Definition

Secular humanism is a philosophical stance that emphasizes human values and the importance of reason, ethics, and justice while rejecting religious dogma and supernatural beliefs. It advocates for a worldview based on human experiences and science, often promoting social justice and individual rights without reliance on religious explanations. In contemporary literature, secular humanism often interacts with themes of spirituality and existential questioning, reflecting a shift in societal values.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Secular humanism gained prominence in the 20th century as a response to traditional religious views, emphasizing the value of human experience over divine authority.
2. It supports ethical decision-making based on reason and empathy rather than religious texts or beliefs, promoting a moral framework derived from human needs.
3. In literature, secular humanism often reflects characters grappling with existential dilemmas and moral questions without recourse to religion.
4. The movement promotes human rights, social justice, and environmental concerns, advocating for policies that benefit humanity as a whole.
5. Secular humanism is often seen as a counter-narrative to religious fundamentalism, encouraging dialogue about the role of science and reason in understanding the world.

Review Questions

• How does secular humanism redefine traditional notions of morality and ethics in literature?
  • Secular humanism redefines traditional morality by grounding ethical frameworks in reason, empathy, and shared human experiences instead of religious teachings. In literature, this shift can be seen in characters who face moral dilemmas based on rational thought rather than divine commandments. This perspective encourages readers to engage with complex ethical questions that arise from real-life situations and human interactions.
• In what ways do contemporary literary works reflect the themes of secular humanism alongside spirituality?
  • Contemporary literary works often intertwine themes of secular humanism with spirituality by presenting characters who seek meaning outside traditional religious frameworks. These narratives explore the search for purpose through personal experiences, relationships, and ethical choices. This combination allows authors to critique or reimagine spiritual concepts while highlighting the significance of human connection and moral responsibility in a secular context.
• Evaluate the impact of secular humanism on modern societal values and literary expressions regarding faith and belief systems.
  • Secular humanism has significantly influenced modern societal values by promoting individual rights, social justice, and scientific reasoning as foundational principles. This shift challenges established religious belief systems and encourages critical examination of faith-based ideologies. In literature, these influences manifest through narratives that question religious authority, explore existential themes, and celebrate human resilience and creativity without relying on supernatural explanations, ultimately enriching the discourse on faith in contemporary society.

Related terms

Atheism:

The absence of belief in the existence of deities, often associated with a rejection of religious doctrines.

Rationalism:

The belief that reason and logical thought are the primary sources of knowledge and truth, often contrasted with faith-based beliefs.

Naturalism: A philosophical viewpoint asserting that everything arises from natural properties and causes, denying supernatural explanations.