secular humanism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Academic, Formal, Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “secular humanism” mean?
A life stance or philosophy that emphasizes human values and rationality, independent of religious belief or supernaturalism.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A life stance or philosophy that emphasizes human values and rationality, independent of religious belief or supernaturalism.
An ethical and philosophical system that prioritizes human dignity, reason, and scientific inquiry as the basis for morality and decision-making, often advocating for social justice, human rights, and the separation of church and state.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or definitional differences. The concept and term are used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Carries the same connotations of rationalism, atheism/agnosticism, and liberal ethics in both cultures, though may be perceived as more politically charged in certain US contexts.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to more prevalent public discourse on religion and secularism.
Grammar
How to Use “secular humanism” in a Sentence
[Subject] adheres to/practises *secular humanism*.*Secular humanism* provides [Object] with a moral framework.The tenets/ethics of *secular humanism* [Verb].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “secular humanism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The society aims to *secular humanise* public ethics, though this verb is extremely rare.
American English
- [No standard verb form exists for this noun phrase.]
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form derived directly.]
American English
- [No standard adverb form derived directly.]
adjective
British English
- He holds a *secular humanist* worldview.
- They attended a *secular humanist* ceremony.
American English
- She is a leading *secular humanist* thinker.
- The group promotes *secular humanist* values.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Might appear in discussions of corporate ethics or diversity/inclusion policies regarding non-religious employees.
Academic
Frequent in philosophy, religious studies, sociology, and ethics courses. Used to define a specific worldview contrasted with religious ethics.
Everyday
Uncommon. Used primarily by individuals involved in secular, atheist, or humanist communities or discussions.
Technical
Used as a defined term in philosophy and religious studies to categorise a specific non-religious ethical system.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “secular humanism”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “secular humanism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “secular humanism”
- Misspelling as 'secular humanis*m*' or 'secular hummanism'.
- Using it as an adjective (e.g., 'He is very secular humanism') instead of the correct noun form or the adjectival form 'secular humanist' (e.g., 'He is a secular humanist' or 'secular humanist ethics').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Atheism is specifically the lack of belief in a god or gods. Secular humanism is a broader positive ethical and philosophical worldview that typically includes atheism or agnosticism but also emphasizes human values, reason, and social justice.
Generally, no. By definition, secular humanism is non-religious. However, some individuals might find overlap with certain liberal religious humanist ideas, but the term 'secular' explicitly denotes separation from religious doctrine.
Its main goal is to promote human flourishing, ethical living, and the common good through rational, compassionate, and evidence-based means, without reliance on supernatural beliefs.
Its roots are in Renaissance humanism and the Enlightenment. As a named, organized movement, it developed more fully in the 20th century, particularly with the publication of manifestos like the 'Humanist Manifesto'.
A life stance or philosophy that emphasizes human values and rationality, independent of religious belief or supernaturalism.
Secular humanism is usually academic, formal, journalistic in register.
Secular humanism: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɛkjʊlə ˈhjuːmənɪzəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɛkjələr ˈhjuːməˌnɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'SECULAR' means 'not religious', and 'HUMANISM' focuses on 'humans'. So, 'secular humanism' = human-focused ethics without religion.
Conceptual Metaphor
RELIGION IS A BUILDING (to be separated from) / ETHICS IS A FRAMEWORK (constructed by humans).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a core tenet of secular humanism?