Humanism is a progressive philosophy of life that, without theism or other supernatural beliefs, affirms our ability and responsibility to lead ethical lives of personal fulfillment that aspire to the greater good.

Whether you’re doing research, exploring a personal philosophy, or are simply curious about humanism, the resources here are a great place to start:

Explanations of Humanism

• Humanism and Its Aspirations: Humanist Manifesto III is the latest articulation of what it means to be a humanist
• Definitions of Humanism
• What is Humanism? by Fred Edwords
• The Humanist Philosophy in Perspective by Fred Edwords
• Famous Humanists in History
• The Ten Commitments: Learn more about our shared humanistic values and principles

Humanist Essays

Living the Humanist Life

• The Promise of Humanism by Fred Edwords
• Positive Humanism by Gerald A. Larue
• Ancient Stoicism and Rational Psychology by Fred Edwords
• Why Was I Born? A Humanistic View of Life by Lyle L. Simpson

Humanism and Traditional Religion

• Paths to Humanism from Traditional Religion
• Some Reasons Why Humanists Reject The Bible by Joseph C. Sommer
• Dealing with “Scientific” Creationism by Fred Edwords
• Question of Evil Remains Unanswered by David B. McCalmont
• I Was an Atheist in a Foxhole by Philip Paulson
• Why Intelligent Design is Not Science by Abby Hafer (shared with permission by the author)

The History of Humanism

• Humanist Manifesto I
• Humanist Manifesto II
• The Saga of Freethought and Its Pioneers: Religious Critique and Social Reform by Fred Edwords
• The Humanist Special Collection at Meadville Lombard: Archival materials that document the growth and impact of humanism within both Unitarian Universalism and the larger world.

Philosophical Questions

• The Human Basis of Laws and Ethics by Fred Edwords
• Is the War Between Science and Religion Over? by Norman F. Hall and Lucia K. B. Hall

Ideas for Advancing Humanism

• Living on the Creative Edge of Our Culture by Tony Hileman
• Myth and Symbol in the Pattern of Truth by Fred Edwords
• Humanism Unmodified by Edd Doerr
• Humanism with a Capital H by Harvey Lebrun

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