H U M A N I S M

Beliefs; Values; Actions.

I H E U

International Humanist & Ethical

Union

The IHEU Declaration As agreed at the tri-annual IHEU congress – is

reviewed/updated every 3 years by delegates from affiliated organisations. No change needed since 2002 !

Is intended as a succinct statement of the basic decrees of Humanism, which . . . .

Provides a broad appreciation including observations, as to from where comes the beliefs and values that

underpin Humanist thinking.

It also provides statements against which adherents may compare their own thinking.

  Humanism , the outcome of a long tradition of free thought, has inspired many of the world's great thinkers and creative artists and gave rise to science itself. The fundamentals of modern Humanism are as follows : 1. Humanism . . . is ethical. It affirms the worth , dignity and autonomy of the individual and the right of every human being to the greatest possible freedom compatible with the rights of others . Humanists have a duty of care to all of humanity including future generations. Humanists believe that morality is an intrinsic part of human nature based on understanding and a concern for others , needing no external sanction . 2. Humanism . . . is rational. It seeks to use science creatively , not destructively. Humanists believe that the solutions to the world's problems lie in human thought and action rather than divine intervention. Humanism advocates the application of the methods of science and free inquiry to the problems of human welfare. But Humanists also believe that the application of science and technology must be tempered by human values. Science gives us the means but human values must decide the ends. 3. Humanism . . . supports democracy and human rights. Humanism aims at the fullest possible development of every human being. It holds that democracy and human development are matters of right. The principles of democracy and human rights can be applied to many human relationships and are not restricted to methods of government . 4. Humanism . . . insists that personal liberty must be combined with social responsibility. Humanism ventures to build a world on the idea of the free person , responsible to society , and recognizes our dependence on and responsibility for the natural world. Humanism is not dogmatic , imposing no creed upon its adherents. It is thus committed to education free from indoctrination. 5. Humanism . . . is a response to the widespread demand for an alternative to dogmatic religion. The world's major religions claim to be based on revelations fixed for all time , and many seek to impose their world-views on all of humanity. Humanism recognizes that reliable knowledge of the world and ourselves arises through a continuing process of observation , evaluation and revision. 6. Humanism . . . values artistic creativity and imagination and recognizes the transforming power of art. Humanism affirms the importance of literature , music , and the visual and performing arts for personal development and fulfilment. 7. Humanism . . . is a life stance aiming at the maximum possible fulfilment through the cultivation of ethical and creative living , offering an ethical and rational means of addressing the challenges of our times. Humanism can be a way of life for everyone everywhere. Our primary task is to make human beings aware in the simplest terms of what Humanism can mean to them and what it commits them to. By utilizing free inquiry , the power of science and creative imagination for the furtherance of peace and in the service of compassion , we have confidence that we have the means to solve the problems that confront us all. We call upon all who share this conviction to associate themselves with us in this endeavour.

Outcomes

2 presentations follow . . .

An introductory statement about humanist beliefs, values

and possible actions

Specific beliefs and their related values and associated actions

Human Needs & Experience

Common Human Needs + Experience determine our

Beliefs, Values & Actions.

It is essential that these are not seen as unalterable, for they may change in the light of need and/or experience, and the progress

and development of our scientific based understanding of our world.

Much of human need is common to all, such as for food and shelter, all of which manifest themselves at birth and these

stay with us throughout life, evolving in their form and intensity as our life stages take us into old age. Other

needs such as autonomy, ambition and achievement emerge later in childhood.

The manner in which these needs are met is dependent on inherited characteristics and the extent to which the

physical & social environment enables or inhibits personal growth. The quality, quantity and type of food, the quality of care, whether living is harsh or easy, the opportunity for self-expression and self-fulfilment all affect our outcome.

So from early childhood, based on how well or not these needs are met, along with the beliefs acquired or implanted

by carers, each individual builds up a set of beliefs to do with what life and people are all about, and these combine

gradually and become organised into a coherent whole. Our belief system emerges.

Values Values are preferences for particular forms of behaviour which

combine into a system of principles by which we conduct our lives. On reaching adulthood, one has acquired a hierarchy of values

from the mundane to the most significant, some of which, like free speech, might inspire some to give up their lives to preserve.

This hierarchy of values can include social, political, economic, aesthetic, ethical, religious, philosophical and others which are founded in our belief system.

Many values are not new and they may even apply to varying degrees to all peoples.

If one believes in humans as being inherently self-centred, then one is drawn to seek protection from exploitation.

If one sees humans as inherently sinful, then one is drawn to the need for prayer, for punishment or reward in the next life and/or to follow moral edicts from ancient times.

It is essential also that these are not seen as orthodox unalterable expressions. They should always be subject to revision & change.

Values . . continued

Values are an integral part of personality. They are embedded in the needs and belief systems that give meaning and coherence to

one’s life, sustaining one’s identity.

Systems of beliefs and values are dynamic and a change in one area may have an effect on other areas.

Which is why some people hold on to beliefs with such tenacity, fearful that any change may invalidate all that they hold dear,

perhaps causing loss of control in their lives.

But statements of values may have little meaning if our knowledge of the beliefs and attitudes of their proponents is not

present.

Humanist Beliefs

Life forms on earth have evolved over billions of years. There is no discernable purpose, plan or prescribed goal.

Values Humanism encourages free-thinking and enquiry that seeks to

describe, understand and appreciate the universe and the diversity and complexity of life.

Actions Pursuit of knowledge using science ethically to enhance our

understanding of the nature of the universe . . . to improve the well-being of humanity and the natural world.

Beliefs . . continued There is no after-life. There is no supernatural agency for justice, instruction, confirmation,

validation, comfort or support.Values

The acceptance that solutions to problems lie in the imagination and ingenuity of

humankind.Actions

To live our lives recognising that we are responsible for our own destiny and for

making the best of the one life we have.

Beliefs . . continued

Any irrational explanation for natural events arises from a need to reduce uncertainty, but that

impedes our understanding of the human condition and diminishes our ability to deal with it.

Values Explanation must be based on reason and verifiable evidence and not on superstition or

religious ideology.Actions

Modify our life-stance on the basis of new knowledge.

Oppose Creationism / Young Earth Dogma / Intelligent Design.

Beliefs . . continued

The freedom to choose one’s world view, known as Pluralism, comprises beliefs . . . philosophical,

religious or none. This is enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights.

Values Democracy and human development are

matters of right. Actions

To live one’s life accordingly is an imperative of democracy and an essential pre-condition

for social harmony.

Beliefs . . continued

The concern of humans should be for the well-being of humankind and compassion for the under

privileged or disadvantaged.

Values Self reliance and independence of thought, always

with a realisation of our interdependence.

Actions Help for those in need.

Oppose crude market forces for essential services. Adopt societal measures which enhance the

lot of humanity.

Beliefs . . continued

That our future rests on our appreciation of the inter- dependence of humanity and the planet’s

ecosystems and environment.Values

Respect for all humanity and other species and their environments.

Promote and preserve eco-balance.Actions

To inform all actions with care and consideration for others, promoting harmony and sustainability

whilst supporting humane measures for population control.

Beliefs . . continued Although humans are born with common needs,

both within and between societies, people have different ways of satisfying their needs and

developing their beliefs.Values

An approach which always seeks to engage with, understand and accept the beliefs and values of

others, compatible with the rights of others.Actions

Use difference creatively and adopt freedom of action which causes no harm to others.

Actively encourage / cooperate with those like-minded.

Beliefs . . continued Endemic difference can be a catalyst for new ideas.

Values A cooperative and problem solving approach to

conflict of interest, with reasoned debate as opposed to

dogmatic assertion.Actions

Solve all personal, societal and international conflict with reasoned negotiation, rather than by

physical, psychological or commercial force.

Beliefs . . continued A person’s moral values are acquired in society and its

communities, accepting that there is general benefit if we behave well towards each other.

Values Takes account of the complexity of modern living and

that behaviour, unless in self defence, must harm no-one.

Actions Challenge tradition in the light of experience, in

standards of behaviour and communal care.

Oppose ideology, bigotry, prejudice and intolerance.

Beliefs . . Continued

Although there are no absolute rights, it is possible to define universality in terms of the level of equality,

rooted in democracy, which leads to global harmony.

Values The inclusive democratic ideal with impartiality and

equality regardless of belief, whether religious or not.

Actions Seek secular governance with no privilege permitted,

actual or implied.

Beliefs . . Continued

Humans are capable of altruism and self sacrifice, but also of great cruelty and disregard for the

interests of others.

Values Social attitudes and education centred in

cooperative and tolerant living, which condemns exploitation and abuse.

Actions Support social and institutional structures which

enhance the human condition, condemning slavery, the arms trade and corrupt governance

and commercialism etc.

Beliefs . . Continued

Much of the animal world feels pain, fear and distress, with common need for autonomy and

freedom.

Values Apply a humane approach in all matters affecting

the non-human living world, including slaughter.

Actions Support non restrictive husbandry, as in free-range

farming and show respect for the environmental needs and habitats of all flora and fauna.

Beliefs . . continued Art in all its forms, including sport, meets the need

for creativity and self-expression, enhancing the essence of human desires . . . its needs, triumphs,

sorrow and universal matters of life.Values

The creative artistic potential of humans increases the awareness of self, enabling freedom to

experience the physical and mental joys of life and living.

Actions To nurture creative and artistic expression and to encourage and facilitate opportunities for such.

Beliefs . . continued Humans need opportunity to meet like-minded, open-minded people for communal celebration and support, at rites of passage for collective joy, or for

grieving in times of stress or loss.

Values Marking of happy, sad or life-stage events in

ceremonies and gatherings free from religion.Actions

Promote and facilitate the opportunity for non-religious gatherings and especially for parity at all ceremonials which have acquired the privilege of

religious monopoly.

Spiritual Humanism1. Treat nature with reverence. By instinct we are inspired by its beauty – a fiery sunset, a starry night sky, springtime flowers or the splendour of autumn leaves. As animals, we should find inspiration in nature. As a species, we have only lived in cities for a very tiny fraction of our time. It just makes sense.

2. Base religion on reason. Religious truth can only be found through science, the basis of all knowledge that makes our civilization possible. The conflict between religion and science is avoided by asserting the supremacy of science. Religion should be re-defined to make it pertinent to modern life.

3. Treat all people as equals. Everyone deserves the same level of respect, opportunity, and the right to be happy. No one is born superior to anyone else. Equality is universally appealing, and should be universally accepted.

4. Reduce suffering and misery, and advance contentment and happiness. Everyone must observe the same standards of good and bad behaviour. Good deeds makes the world a better place. Live by The Golden Rule.

5. Protect things that belong to all. Clean air, rivers and healthy oceans are things that every one has a right to enjoy, and no one has a right to spoil them. These are public treasures. Don't destroy our planet. It's our home and its the only one we've got.

6. Celebrate seasons and its cycles .. Recognizing that we are part of nature brings us closer to our natural roots. Symbolism and ritual can be important so don't shy away from them just to avoid being “religious.”

7. Accept that there is a spiritual element in what it means to be human.

8. Exalt the correlation of past, present, and future. What we do today affects the world of the future. Things done in the past like preserving the environment, finding cures for diseases, or writing an inspiring song, still help us today. Don't forget about yesterday's influence on today or today's influence on tomorrow.

9. When you believe in something, be ready to stand up and defend it. Don't be apathetic about life.

10. Only through learning and changing our actions based on the new knowledge and information can we grow and make the world better. Our dearest beliefs must always be open to improvement. Question everything and don't be afraid of change.