Definition

Noun: 1. A philosophy or doctrine that emphasizes human values, reason, and ethical conduct, independent of religious belief or the supernatural. It asserts that human beings are capable of being ethical and moral, and of leading meaningful lives, based on reason, compassion, and human experience, without the need for a deity or religious doctrine.

Usage

Secular humanism is used as a formal term to describe a specific worldview or life stance. It is often discussed in contexts related to philosophy, ethics, education, and public policy, particularly in debates about the separation of religion and state.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The school's curriculum was criticized for promoting secular humanism instead of traditional religious values.
  • Many modern ethical frameworks are rooted in the principles of secular humanism, focusing on human welfare and rational thought.

Advanced Usage

• "Commitment to secular humanism": A dedication to the principles of this philosophy.
  • His commitment to secular humanism guided his work in social justice and scientific advocacy.

Variants and Related Words

• Humanism (noun): A broader term for a system of thought attaching prime importance to human rather than divine or supernatural matters. is a specific, non-theistic form of humanism.
• Secular humanist (noun): A person who adheres to the philosophy of secular humanism.
  • As a secular humanist, she believes morality comes from human nature and society.

Synonyms

• Ethical humanism: Emphasizes the ethical dimension of the philosophy.
• Naturalistic humanism: Highlights its basis in the natural world, rejecting the supernatural.
• Rational humanism: Stresses the central role of reason and critical thinking.

Related Phrases

• Secular ethics: Moral principles developed without reliance on religious tenets, closely associated with secular humanism.
  • The course on secular ethics explored how to build a moral framework based on human well-being.

Noun

1. the doctrine emphasizing a person's capacity for self-realization through reason; rejects religion and the supernatural