humanism
C1Formal, Academic
Definition
Meaning
A system of thought or ideology that emphasizes the value, agency, and dignity of human beings, often prioritizing reason, ethics, and human fulfillment over religious or supernatural doctrines.
1. The cultural and intellectual movement of the Renaissance that revived classical learning and focused on human potential and achievements. 2. In modern contexts, a progressive philosophy of life that, without theism or other supernatural beliefs, affirms our ability and responsibility to lead ethical lives of personal fulfillment that aspire to the greater good of humanity.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term often carries positive connotations of tolerance, rationality, and compassion. It can be contrasted with doctrines that prioritize divine authority, determinism, or materialism that denies human uniqueness. In some religious contexts, it may be viewed negatively as a rival worldview.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The term is used identically in both academic and general discourse.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in UK academic writing, reflecting the historical study of Renaissance Humanism in European contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Humanism is based on...Humanism emphasizes...Humanism rejects...Humanism advocates for...Adherence to humanismVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A beacon of humanism”
- “In the humanist tradition”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might appear in corporate value statements about 'putting people first' or ethical business practices.
Academic
Common in philosophy, history, literature, and religious studies departments. Central to discussions of the Renaissance, Enlightenment, and modern secular ethics.
Everyday
Uncommon in casual conversation. Used by individuals identifying with humanist organizations or in discussions about morality without religion.
Technical
Used in specific philosophical discourse to denote a formal system of thought, e.g., 'Marxist humanism', 'existential humanism'.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The curriculum aims to humanise education through its focus on the arts.
- Efforts to humanise the workplace have increased wellbeing.
American English
- The new policy seeks to humanize the criminal justice system.
- Technology should be designed to humanize our interactions.
adverb
British English
- The approach was humanistically flawed, ignoring individual dignity.
- He argued humanistically for the rights of the marginalised.
American English
- She interpreted the text humanistically, focusing on its portrayal of character.
- The system needs to be reformed more humanistically.
adjective
British English
- She holds humanist beliefs and attends a humanist wedding celebrant.
- The university's humanist chaplaincy provides non-religious support.
American English
- He is a humanist counselor, providing therapy without religious framework.
- The American Humanist Association promotes humanist values.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Humanism is about being kind to people.
- Renaissance humanism was very important for art and science in Europe.
- Some people follow humanism instead of a religion.
- Modern secular humanism advocates for ethical living based on reason and compassion.
- The philosopher's work was deeply influenced by the principles of existential humanism.
- Critics of postmodernism sometimes call for a return to a form of literary humanism that re-centers the human subject.
- The debate between theological perspectives and philosophical humanism has shaped Western thought for centuries.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of HUMAN-ISM: the 'ISM' (belief system) that puts HUMANS at the centre.
Conceptual Metaphor
HUMANISM IS A LIGHT (illuminating human potential and reason, dispelling dogma). HUMANISM IS A FOUNDATION (for ethical society).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'гуманизм' (gumanizm), which can have a narrower, more literary connotation of 'philanthropy' or 'compassion'. The English term is a broader philosophical category.
- The Russian 'человечность' (chelovechnost') means 'humanity' or 'humanness', not the philosophical system.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'humanitism' or 'humanianism'.
- Using it as a direct synonym for 'humanitarianism' (charitable aid).
- Confusing 'secular humanism' (a specific modern form) with the entire historical concept.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a core tenet most closely associated with modern secular humanism?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, humanism is not a religion. It is a philosophical stance or life stance. While it provides a framework for ethics and meaning, it does not involve belief in the supernatural. Some religious groups may incorporate humanist principles, leading to terms like 'religious humanism', but secular humanism is explicitly non-theistic.
Humanitarianism is the active promotion of human welfare and social reform, often through charitable aid. Humanism is the broader philosophical belief system that values human agency and reason, which may *inspire* humanitarian action. All humanists are likely to support humanitarian causes, but not all humanitarians necessarily subscribe to the full philosophy of humanism.
No. Renaissance Humanism (14th-17th centuries) is the most famous historical movement. However, humanist thought appears in various forms throughout history, including in classical antiquity (e.g., Protagoras's 'man is the measure of all things') and in modern developments like secular, existential, and Marxist humanism.
Yes, the term 'religious humanist' is used by some who integrate humanist values (emphasis on human dignity, reason, ethics) with their religious faith, focusing on the human aspects and ethical imperatives within their tradition. However, 'secular humanism' is explicitly non-religious.