More just for you!
Outline the position of rational and scientific humanism.
Rational humanism and scientific humanism are two distinct, though interrelated, sects that fall under the general philosophy of Humanism, first recognised in ancient Greece. Re-born from an age of newly discovered reason and scientific innovation, The Age of Enlightenment and the Industrial Revolution, humanism rejects supernaturalism and focuses on the role of the individual to lead a good, ethical, environmentally-friendly life for the betterment of humankind.
Rational humanism specifically emphasises the importance of human reason in understanding the workings of society and the world as a whole. Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution as the explanation for the creation of human beings is a perfect example of rational humanistic thought.
Though similar to rational humanism, scientific humanism prioritises science over human reason, and the scientific method as the ultimate means of comprehending life. In a world progressing scientifically at an incredible rate, in the fields of technology, medicine, and engineering, scientific humanism is becoming increasingly relevant. The first ideology of “The Humanist Manifesto III” (2003) is “Knowledge of the world is derived by observation, experimentation, and rational analysis”, exemplifying its importance to the scientific humanist position.
Focusing on the humanistic natural desire for people to be good, ethical, and social beings, both rational and scientific humanism promote the end of war and the unification of mankind to maximise happiness for all. Whilst respecting the right for individuals to have freedom of speech and belief, scientific and rational humanism absolutely dismiss the notion of a supreme being.
More annotated sources as well!
Online article- link used to access is below
“Introduction to Humanism.” Religious Tolerance. 02 September 1996. http://www.religioustolerance.org/humanism1.htm
-Most important quote: “They [humanists] trace their roots to the rational philosophy first created in the West in ancient Greece. Many regard Socrates as the first and greatest of the Humanists. They value knowledge based on reason and hard evidence rather than on faith or revelation.”
Introduction to Humanism ANNOTATED VERSION
Online article- link used to access is below
“Humanism and Its Aspirations: Humanism Manifesto III, a Successor to the Humanist Manifesto of 1993.” American Humanist Association.
https://americanhumanist.org/what-is-humanism/manifesto3/
-Most important quote: “Humanism is a progressive philosophy of life that, without supernaturalism, affirms our ability and responsibility to lead ethical lives of personal fulfilment that aspire to the greater good of humanity… Humanists are concerned for the well being of all, are committed to diversity, and respect those of differing yet humane views. We work to uphold the equal enjoyment of human rights and civil liberties in an open, secular society and maintain it is a civic duty to participate in the democratic process and a planetary duty to protect nature’s integrity, diversity, and beauty in a secure, sustainable manner.”
Humanism and its Aspirations ANNOTATED VERSION
Textbook chapter- provided by teacher
Bulmer, Paul and Doret, Katherine. “Religion and Non-Religion.” Excel HSC Studies of Religion I & II. Pascal Press. 2008. pp. 251–253.
-Most important quote: “Rational Humanism emerged from a background of profound scientific advancement, including the discoveries of the Enlightenment and the Industrial Revolution.”
-Most important page: Page 252, as it looks into modern rational humanism and provides a clear definition of scientific humanism.
Excel Pages 250 and 251 ; Excel Pages 252 and 253
Cover image sourced from: http://drrichswier.com/2014/04/23/atheism-evolution-and-secular-humanism-masquerading-as-science-against-the-bible-and-creation/
Studies of Religion II 