Humanist Association
Creation Continues...Some Images From The Hubble Telescope
What is Humanism?
“Humanism is a rationalist philosophy informed by science, inspired by art, and motivated by compassion. Affirming the dignity of each human being, it supports the maximization of individual liberty and opportunity consonant with social and planetary responsibility. It advocates the extension of participatory democracy and the expansion of the open society, standing for human rights and social justice. Free of supernaturalism, it recognizes human beings as a part of nature and holds that values—be they religious, ethical, social, or political—have their source in human nature, experience, and culture. Humanism thus derives the goals of life from human need and interest rather than from theological or ideological abstractions, and asserts that humanity must take responsibility for its own destiny.” (Adapted from AHA Publication, The Humanist, Nov-Dec 2008)
The Humanist philosophy is distinguished by the following characteristics: (1) The use of reason and scientific methods in solving human problems. (2) The conviction that received dogmas, ideologies and traditions must be individually evaluated and tested and not simply accepted on faith. (3) A commitment to making life meaningful through a better understanding of ourselves, our history and our intellectual and artistic achievements. (4) Respect for the outlook of those who differ from us. (5) A search for viable principles of ethical and moral conduct; judging them on their ability to enhance individual responsibility and the overall well being of society. (6) A conviction that with common sense, an open marketplace of ideas, good will and tolerance, progress can be made toward a better world for ourselves and our children.
WHAT DO HUMANISTS BELIEVE?
Humanists believe that life is a naturally occurring process in the universe and that humans and human consciousness evolved on earth in an undirected, unsupervised natural process in the same way as all other life on the planet. We believe humans will share with all other life the same ultimate fate.
Humanists believe that the application of human reason and the methods of science are the best means for the discovery of truth about the universe and ourselves. We reject the notion that the application of reason to any or all areas of human concern is in any sense vain or arrogant, and we require that all claims to truth be supported by credible, verifiable evidence. We reject the idea that blind faith in the unverifiable supernatural is a virtue superior to affirmation of only that which can be confirmed by reason and repeatable experience.
Humanists believe that ALL morality and values have their source in human experience and are subject to human critique and amendment. Humanists believe in all the common moral decencies including altruism, integrity, honesty, tolerance, compassion, equal justice for all, etc. We believe that if humans must take the blame for all the bad in the world, then we can and should take credit for all the good.
Humanists believe in individual liberty and responsibility and freedom of conscience and speech. We encourage free inquiry, support separation of church and state, and are opposed to censorship.
Humanist Association of West Central Florida
P.O. Box 6675
Lakeland, FL 33807
hawcf@tampabay.rr.com
