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Recommended: Short note on humanism
Defined by Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary as a system of values and beliefs that is based on the idea that people are basically good and that problems can be solved using reason instead of religion (Merriam-Webster), Humanism takes an ethical and philosophical stance that is expressed through a myriad of types including Literary Humanism, Renaissance Humanism, Western Cultural Humanism, Philosophical Humanism, Christian Humanism, Modern Humanism, Secular Humanism, and Religious Humanism (American Humanist Association). Though there are many different “denominations”, if you will, of Humanism, they are all typically aligned with secularism and a perspective that believes in “human nature”, or how humans naturally think, feel, and act. The origin and history of humanism is complex because of the vague nature of the belief system. Humanism, first coined Humanismus, was employed by a Bavarian educator, Friedrich Immanuel Niethammer, to describe the classical curriculum he planned to introduce to German secondary schools and by 1856 Humanism had gained a universal acceptance (Wikipedia). This humanism is now referred to as Renaissance Humanism which is the type of Humanism that envelops the spirit of learning and the revival of classical letters that birthed a new confidence in mankind to determine truth and mendacity (American Humanist). Because humanism developed as a general consensus between other belief systems, it is difficult to place limits and “rules” on what humanists believe; however, it is agreed upon that the humanist mentality is a midway point between medieval supernaturalism and modern scientific and critical mind-set (Renaissance Humanism). Because humanism places such a high emphasis on human nature, Gods are n... ... middle of paper ... ...fs (American Humanist). Humanists principles on how to think and determine ethics can be defined in the following: • Need to test beliefs • Using reason, evidence, scientific method to find answers • Fulfillment, growth, creativity • Search for truth • Emphasis on this life • Maintaining good ethics • Justice and fairness • Building a better world These distinctives embody humanism principles and provide a general consensus on how to live and interact with the concepts of the world. Through the evolution of the Humanism religion, changes have been brought about to maintain an updated version of thinking for those identifying as Humanists. Whether members identify as Christian Humanists, Secular Humanists, or Modern Humanists, they all agree on the idea that we are here on this Earth to serve humanity and leave Earth better than as we found it.
4. Renaissance humanism was an intellectual trend that came from interest in Greco-Roman literature. It changed theories and education because it secularized history--events were no longer blamed on God’s will.
Humanism is also found throughout the Reformation. Christian humanists were the people who pushed for change of the Catholic Church. They believed that in order to change society, you had to change the individual human beings who make it up. Erasmus is one of the best know humanists of the Reformation. He wanted to spread the philosophy of Christ, provide education in works of Christianity, and criticize the abuses in the church. Overall the main tie of the Reformation and Renaissance was humanism. Both groups of people during those times wanted change towards a more secular view of things.
The book, Humanism: A Very Short Introduction, most definitely gives a clear and precise understanding of what exactly Humanism is and consists of. There are several different meanings behind the term and it means more than a person’s opinion on whether or not God truly exists. Humanists are very open-minded and believe that science and reasoning are tools that should be used to evaluate the human lifestyle. The history of humanism dates back to Ancient Greece and the days of Confucius who believed in the Golden Rule which is well known as being, “Do not unto another that you would not have him do unto you” (Law, 9). It appears ironic that both religious groups and humanists embrace such rule. In the beginning of the book, the author gives seven characteristics to help the reader better understand what humanism actually is.
During the Hellenic Age which is sometimes known as the classical period for the Greeks and is dated c.500-300 B.C. In this time period the Greek culture flourish philosophy developed, sculpturing became more sophisticated, and the greatest of them all was the birth of humanism. Humanism is described as being “any system or mode of thought or action in which human interests, values, and dignity predominate” (“Humanism n.pag.). Humanism meant making men superior over all things and that men were supreme even over the Gods. Humanism is greatly influenced the Greek culture. Greeks were the first humanist. Humanism can be found in and influenced countless things that are Greek from their art, literature, philosophy, music and a numerous of other things.
Humanism was more of a code of civil conduct, a theory of education, and a scholarly discipline more than a philosophical system. Italian humanists were concerned chiefly with human values and interest as distinct from but not opposed from religions otherworldly values (Kleiner, 2010).
The humanistic perspective on personality deals exclusively with human behavior. Humanistic psychologists believe that human nature includes a natural drive towards personal growth, that humans have the freedom to choose what they do regardless of environmental factors, and humans are mostly conscious beings and are not controlled by unconscious needs and conflicts. They also believe that a person's subjective view of the world is more important than objective reality. Two of the humanistic theorists that have made an impact of humanism are Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow.
Now, on the other end of the religious spectrum, lies the religious humanists; and though they do respect historical religions and mans humble beginnings, they are more concerned with present day man and that of the future. Religious humanists are concerned with maintaining social well- being and establishing social interactions and communication. Also, religious humanists believe in bettering ones life through achievements and reason rather than religious hopes and faith. They (religious humanists) associate personal happiness, and a better human condition with the self and those around us rather than a god.
Humanism is a literary and linguistic movement cultivated during the Renaissance that was founded on revising classical Latin and Greek texts, styles, and values. Humanists encouraged looking to the past to discover what is good and how people should act including leaders. Many humanist wrote about how they believe a prince should act and what he should do to be successful in his rule. Most humanists believed that princes should be virtuous in order to be successful rulers as many ancient leaders were. However, Machiavelli in his work The Prince uses history as a part of his argument to undermine some humanist ideals such as being purely virtuous and morality being the key to good government but also uses it to promote humanist ideals such as looking to the past to discover how a leader should behave.
...olarly endeavors, rather than strictly practical ones. Humanists also believed that the entirety of society should be well versed and able to speak articulately. The focus also changed during this time period to the “here and now” rather than the afterlife. The worth of individuals began to become more important, rather than just their worth in relation to society as a whole. Renaissance Humanism was the first time in history that people began to question authority and the teachings they had learned, it was the first time in history that individual expression was commonly accepted.
Humanistic Psychology also known as humanism was created in the 1950’s emerging from psychoanalysis. Humanistic psychology based itself more on each individual’s potential and importance of growth and self-actualization. The humanism perspective can be broken down into two different parts focusing on completely different points that in a way come back together and explain one another. Both perspectives can describe each individual as figuring out the best that one can become. Seeking fulfillment is a goal for many that humanism describes as being able to achieve it the individual agrees to search for it. Humanism teaches that anyone is free to become themselves if they choose that path.
To be human is to be able think and learn without any restraints. To have an opinion all to one's self even if it my clash with someone else's. To be human is to have emotion. One must be able to smile, cry, laugh or shout without living in fear of the consequence. One must also have the feelings of love and hate. To be human, one would also be able to have a religion. Instilled morals and values are also a part of be human. Where one gets these values are from their families and friends, without those, a person would simply be an empty shell.
A central focus of the Renaissance was humanism. Humanism was an intellectual movement that claimed the heart of the Renaissance. Humanists studied the classical cultures of Greece and Rome. They used their newly acquired knowledge to develop a better understand of their own times. Humanists, although they were mostly Christian, did not focus of religion. Instead they were fixated on worldly subjects. It was believed that education should stimulate one’s creative mind. Humanists emphasized humanities, which are classic subjects such as grammar and poetry.
The ethical system that I propose has the goal of what is ultimately good for human beings. The ultimate good of human beings lie in going beyond their individual needs because instinctually animals strive to fulfill their individual bio-organic ne...
This psychology perspective emphasizes individuals ' inherent drive towards self-actualization, the process of realizing and expressing one 's own capabilities and creativity. It helps the client gain the belief that all people are inherently good. It adopts a holistic approach to human existence and pays special attention to such phenomena as creativity, free will, and positive human potential. It encourages viewing ourselves as a "whole person" greater than the sum of our parts and encourages self exploration rather than the study of behavior in other people. Humanistic psychology acknowledges spiritual aspiration as an integral part of the human psyche. It is linked to the emerging field of transpersonal psychology. As per usual, there are advantages and limitations to this particular theory. One of the greatest strengths of humanistic psychology is that it emphasizes individual choice and responsibility. Humanistic psychology satisfies most people 's idea of what being human means because it values personal ideals and self-fulfillment. Finally, humanistic psychology provides researchers with a flexible framework for observing human behavior because it considers a person in the context of his environment and in conjunction with his personal perceptions and feelings. As with any viewpoint, humanistic psychology has its critics. One major criticism of humanistic psychology is that its concepts are too vague. Critics
Encarta Dictionary says that Humanism is a system of thought that centers on human beings and their values, capacities and worth. Encarta also goes on the say that, in philosophy, humanism is an attitude that emphasizes the dignity and worth of an individual. A basic premise of humanism is that people are rational beings who possess within themselves the capacity for truth and goodness. I see myself as a being a humanist through everyday life. I always try to see the good in a person when he/she makes me angry or sad, and say I to myself that maybe that person has had a bad day and living life is difficult at the moment. Socrates was even an early humanist of sorts. He can be quoted as saying, "to know the good is to do the good." He believed that nobody voluntarily commits an evil act because evil comes from ignorance, ignorance being not stupidity, but having a lack of knowledge. If all people thought as humanists, would peace be spread across the globe?