humanism
HYOO-muh-niz-um
/ˈhjuːmənɪzəm/
A philosophical stance emphasizing the value, agency, and potential of human beings through reason and ethics rather than religious dogma.
Puts human flourishing, critical thinking, and social welfare at the center of moral philosophy.
The story behind the word. Derived from the 19th-century German term 'Humanismus', which evolved from Renaissance Italian 'umanista' (a scholar of classical liberal arts: grammar, rhetoric, history, and moral philosophy).
Word relationships
- humanitarianism: Humanitarianism focuses on practical charitable action to alleviate suffering, whereas humanism is a philosophical outlook on human value.
- dogmatism: Dogmatism places doctrine above human reason and agency.
Commonly confused with
- humanitarianism: Humanism is an ethical worldview; humanitarianism is active welfare work.
Word family
- humanist (noun): An adherent of humanism.
- humanistic (adjective): Relating to or characteristic of humanism.
Collocations
- secular humanism
- Renaissance humanism
- modern humanism
- humanist philosophy
Example sentences
- "Secular humanism grounds morality in human empathy and shared social needs rather than divine revelation." Ethics
- "The Renaissance marked a rebirth of humanism, celebrating human capacity in art, literature, and science." Art history
Memory hook
HUMAN-ism = putting HUMAN potential and dignity first. Human capability as the measure.
When not to use
Do not confuse Renaissance humanism (which was largely Christian) with modern secular humanism without specifying context.
Fun facts
- The humanist tradition originally grew inside medieval monastery schools through the recovery of classical Greek and Roman literature.
Related words
Explore more words
humanitarian, secular, rationalism, humane, renaissance, absolutism
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