humanism
HYOO-muh-niz-um
/ˈhjuːmənɪzəm/
A rationalist outlook or system of thought attaching prime importance to human rather than divine or supernatural matters.
Can refer historically to Renaissance classical scholarship or modernly to a non-religious ethical framework focused on human dignity.
The story behind the word. From Latin humanus. During the Renaissance, Italian scholars resurrected Cicero’s phrase studia humanitatis ('studies of humanity')—grammar, poetry, history, and moral philosophy. German educator Friedrich Niethammer coined the word Humanismus in 1808 to describe classical education.
Word relationships
- anthropocentrism: 'Anthropocentrism' views humans as the center of the universe, often neutrally or critically; 'humanism' is an affirmative ethical stance.
- scholasticism: Monastic medieval 'scholasticism' subordinated human reason to divine revelation.
Commonly confused with
- humanitarianism: 'Humanitarianism' is active disaster relief and kindness; 'humanism' is a philosophical focus on human agency.
Word family
- humanist (noun): A scholar or follower of humanism.
- humanistic (adjective): Relating to humanism or the humanities.
Collocations
- secular humanism
- Renaissance humanism
- principles of humanism
- civic humanism
Example sentences
- "Italian humanism shifted the focus of university studies from scholastic theology to classical literature, rhetoric, and ethics." Renaissance History
- "Secular humanism emphasizes human reason, ethics, and justice while explicitly rejecting supernatural dogma." Modern Philosophy
Memory hook
HUMAN + ISM: Putting the HUMAN experience at the center of philosophy. Human worth over divine decree.
When not to use
Do not confuse with humanitarianism, which specifically means practical charitable aid to suffering people.
Fun facts
- Petrarch is considered the 'Father of Humanism' because he spent his life scouring European monastery libraries for lost Roman manuscripts.
Related words
Explore more words
humanitarian, secular, rationalism, humane, renaissance, absolutism
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