What does it mean to live a good life without religion? A new book, What is humanism for?, sets out to answer that question. Written by moral philosopher and Humanists UK patron Professor Richard Norman, it offers a clear and accessible introduction to the humanist worldview – a non-religious approach to understanding the world, making ethical choices, and finding meaning in life. Norman is Emeritus Professor of Moral Philosophy at the University of Kent and a leading voice in modern humanist thought.
Humanism (n.)
A non-religious way of understanding the world that draws on reason, evidence, and compassion. The term refers not just to a modern movement, but to a long-standing non-religious ethical tradition that emphasises human welfare and the possibility of living meaningful, fulfilling lives without belief in gods or the supernatural.
Humanists (n.)
Non-religious people who seek to live ethical, meaningful lives using reason, empathy, and a concern for human welfare. Humanists reject belief in gods or the supernatural and instead look to science, philosophy, and shared human values to understand the world and guide their choices.
People who call themselves humanists are varied in their opinions, convictions, motivations, and goals. But they are united by the values they have in common: like making decisions on the basis of rational thinking and simple kindness.
What is humanism for? begins by suggesting that many people seek what the American humanist Erich Fromm called a ‘frame of orientation and devotion’: a way of thinking about life’s big questions and of examining our beliefs, values, and goals. Humanism, according to Professor Norman, is a coherent response to this need which ‘draws on a long tradition of thinking outside the limits of organised religion’. Across seven chapters, the book explores, in an accessible way, the humanist case for naturalism, where humanists might find meaning in life, a humanist approach to ethics based on shared needs and values, what belonging and community mean to humanists, and whether there is such a thing as a humanist politics.
Humanists UK Director of Understanding Humanism Luke Donnellan praised the book, saying:
‘Questions about belief, meaning, and values can be complex, but Richard Norman brings these ideas down to Earth by looking at them through a humanist lens. He writes with clarity and warmth, recognising that humanists do not claim to have all the answers, but arguing that there is enough to justify the claim that a humanist approach to life is both rational as well as rich and rewarding.
‘This is not a naive account and Norman recognises the many challenges modernity presents to our living ethical and flourishing lives. However, in a world in which many still search for meaning and purpose beyond the natural world, it remains refreshing to be presented with a clear and well-reasoned case that a good and happy life can be found in the here and now.’
‘Down to earth’ approach to life
The book frames humanism not as a codified system of thought with rules and shibboleths, but a ‘down to earth’ approach to life rooted in common sense and values that many people already hold and find inspiring, even if they don’t often find time to stop and reflect on them. In this sense, many people are humanists without knowing the term describes their approach to life.
About this, Norman says:
‘Humanism, then, is not an esoteric new doctrine, not a startling revelation of some great new truth. In an important sense it is a reminder and a reassertion of what we already know. To some this may seem disappointing but it need not be so. Humanism affirms what is ‘mundane’ in the literal sense of being ‘of this world’, but it does not follow that it is ‘mundane’ in the sense of being uninspiring. This world has all that is needed to inspire us.’
What is humanism for? is available from all major booksellers, including Waterstones, Blackwell’s, and Hive.
Notes
For further comment or information, contact Director of Understanding Humanism Luke Donnellan at luke@humanists.uk or phone 0207 3243070.
Find out more about our education work on understandinghumanism.org.uk.
Understanding Humanism is Humanists UK’s education service. It aims to introduce young people to humanism as an example of a non-religious worldview. It provides teachers with the resources necessary to teach accurate, high-quality lessons about humanism, and assists them with the development of their own subject knowledge. The Understanding Humanism website offers information and services, including free school speakers who can work with teachers to broaden students’ understanding. Visit Understanding Humanism at understandinghumanism.org.uk.
Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by over 150,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.