Frequently Asked Questions about Humanism

 

What is Humanism?

Humanism is an active philosophy that's firmly based in Naturalism.  it is a philosophy anyone can put into practice every day: It is built on naturalistic explanations of the world and has a set of principles and practices that are worth striving to maintain: Humanism advocates a compassionate moral code; it supports independent and critical thinking; it encourages democratic freedoms and Human Rights; and it insists on a secular framework for government. The tools of Humanism help people think and act for themselves and help us all to advance as a species without reliance on the ancient and superstitious beliefs of yesterday

 

Is Humanism a Religion?

Definitely not: It has none of the infrastructure of religion – it has no churches; or holy sites; no one sings hymns or prays; there are no paid clergy; no Humanist need make a pilgrimage to anywhere and so on; and of course there are no beliefs in anything with a supernatural dimension.

 

Are Humanists ceremonies legal?

Some cultural practices like funerals or welcoming a baby into the world don’t require a legal ceremony so there is potential for anyone who has undergone some training to conduct them, but weddings do have a legal aspect: In Scotland Humanist weddings are legal as long as the person is authorised by the Registrar General to do so and the ceremony is held in a place that’s considered safe and decent.

 

Who can become a Humanist?

Anyone who commits to live by a naturalistic philosophy and endeavours to uphold Humanist principles, beliefs and values can become a Humanist.

 

Is there a Humanist organisation near me?

Probably, because they are popping up everywhere, even in Iraq! To find a more local organisation that you could join and take part in, you could search online – or you could join one of the dozens of internet forum discussion groups and interact with Humanists across the world.

 

Are there any famous Humanists?

Yes, many scientists and highly educated people alive today and from yesterday have been Humanists although they might not have given themselves that name. The Academy has an impressive list of famous scientists and other well-known people who are Humanists and Naturalists and who support the Humanist philosophy of life.