humanitarianism
/hju:,mæni'teəriənizm/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. The belief in or practice of promoting human welfare and social reform: A philosophy or ethical stance that emphasizes the value and agency of human beings, advocating for the reduction of suffering and the improvement of well-being for all people. It is based on the principle that humans have a duty to help one another. 2. The doctrine that people's duty is to promote human welfare: A specific ethical doctrine asserting that the primary moral obligation is to advance the good of humanity.
Usage
- Humanitarianism is typically used as an uncountable noun to describe a broad principle or ideology.
- It is often discussed in contexts of ethics, philosophy, international aid, and social justice.
- It can be the motivating principle behind actions, organizations, or policies.
Examples
- The doctor's lifelong dedication to treating patients in war zones was driven by a deep sense of humanitarianism.
- The foreign aid policy was rooted in humanitarianism, aiming to alleviate famine and disease.
- Critics argued that the intervention was motivated more by political interests than by pure humanitarianism.
Advanced Usage
- "Principles of humanitarianism": The core ethical ideas that underpin humanitarian action, such as humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence.
- The aid agency strictly adheres to the principles of humanitarianism.
- "In the name of humanitarianism": Used to justify an action by stating its purpose is to help people.
- The sanctions were lifted in the name of humanitarianism to allow medical supplies to reach the population.
Variants and Related Words
- Humanitarian (adjective): Concerned with or seeking to promote human welfare.
- They launched a humanitarian mission to deliver food.
- Humanitarian (noun): A person who seeks to promote human welfare.
- She was recognized as a great humanitarian for her work with refugees.
- Humanistic (adjective): Relating to or supporting the principles of humanism, which can overlap with humanitarianism in its focus on human values.
Synonyms
- Philanthropy
- Benevolence
- Altruism
- Humaneness
- Charity (in the sense of goodwill and kindness)
Related Phrases
- Humanitarian aid/assistance: Practical help and material aid provided to people in need, especially in crisis situations.
- The United Nations coordinated the delivery of humanitarian aid.
- Humanitarian crisis: An event or series of events that represents a critical threat to the health, safety, or well-being of a community or large group of people.
- The earthquake created a severe humanitarian crisis.
- Humanitarian intervention: The use of force by a state or group of states against another state, with the stated aim of ending human rights violations or a humanitarian crisis within that country.
- The debate focused on the legality and morality of humanitarian intervention.
Noun
- the doctrine that people's duty is to promote human welfare