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'''Humanism''' is a philosophy that relies entirely on [[reason]] without [[religion]], based originally on Greek philosophy.

'''Humanism''' is a philosophy that relies entirely on [[reason]] without [[religion]], based originally on Greek philosophy.

===Origins===

==Origins==

A movement that developed in [[Renaissance]] Europe, with the rediscovery of classical Greek and Latin works that had been thought lost.  Humanism sought to return to "original sources".  It argued that the height of western civilization had been in the classical period, and with the fall of Rome, most knowledge had been lost, and the much of the knowledge that remained had been corrupted by false traditions.  It was the responsibility of the scholar, therefore, to rediscover the original Greek and Latin texts, and separate real wisdom from false interpretation.

A movement that developed in [[Renaissance]] Europe, with the rediscovery of classical Greek and Latin works that had been thought lost.  Humanism sought to return to "original sources".  It argued that the height of western civilization had been in the classical period, and with the fall of Rome, most knowledge had been lost, and the much of the knowledge that remained had been corrupted by false traditions.  It was the responsibility of the scholar, therefore, to rediscover the original Greek and Latin texts, and separate real wisdom from false interpretation.

Humanists also looked to Ancient Greece and Rome for inspiration as to how to develop society and political structures.  The poet [[Petrarch]] rediscovered writings by the ancient Roman orator and politician [[Cicero]], and Cicero's ideas about the role and structure of government inspired the humanists to reconsider established views about society and call for expanded civic participation in the state.  In addition to Cicero, other classical sources were also consulted and referred to.  [[Niccolo Machiavelli]] wrote his "Discourses on Livy", in which he commented on the history of ancient Rome written by the Roman historian [[Livy]], and used Livy's history to show the virtues of the Roman Republic and how a republican state should behave.

Humanists also looked to Ancient Greece and Rome for inspiration as to how to develop society and political structures.  The poet [[Petrarch]] rediscovered writings by the ancient Roman orator and politician [[Cicero]], and Cicero's ideas about the role and structure of government inspired the humanists to reconsider established views about society and call for expanded civic participation in the state.  In addition to Cicero, other classical sources were also consulted and referred to.  [[Niccolo Machiavelli]] wrote his "Discourses on Livy", in which he commented on the history of ancient Rome written by the Roman historian [[Livy]], and used Livy's history to show the virtues of the Roman Republic and how a republican state should behave.

===Secular Humanism===

==Secular Humanism==

Philosophy that relies entirely on reason without religion, based originally on Greek philosophy. Humanism rejects the idea that there is a supernatural being responsible for the creation of the universe. Humanists believe instead that people are responsible for their actions and that purpose in the universe is far more complicated than a faith in a God. The IHEU has a Minimum Statement on Humanism:

Philosophy that relies entirely on reason without religion, based originally on Greek philosophy. Humanism rejects the idea that there is a supernatural being responsible for the creation of the universe. Humanists believe instead that people are responsible for their actions and that purpose in the universe is far more complicated than a faith in a God. The IHEU has a Minimum Statement on Humanism:

A principle element of humanism is the assumption of fundamental human rights - which may include a right to life, to liberty, freedom of speech, the right to pursue happiness, a right to a family life, and similar things. Humanism does not claim these rights are given by a God, but are an inherent property of human intelligence and worthy of defending, although the exact definition of rights is not universally agreed upon by humanists. Humanists encourage independent thought in all matters, which can include [[Judeo-Christian]] as well as Humanist principles.  

A principle element of humanism is the assumption of fundamental human rights - which may include a right to life, to liberty, freedom of speech, the right to pursue happiness, a right to a family life, and similar things. Humanism does not claim these rights are given by a God, but are an inherent property of human intelligence and worthy of defending, although the exact definition of rights is not universally agreed upon by humanists. Humanists encourage independent thought in all matters, which can include [[Judeo-Christian]] as well as Humanist principles.  

===See also===

==Criticism==

 

==See also==

*[[Religion]]

*[[Religion]]

*[[Atheism]]

*[[Atheism]]

[[category:philosophy]]

[[category:philosophy]]