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Humanism

The potential for human beings to achieve a harmonious and ethical society through reason, empathy, and self-improvement.

Overview Issues Discuss

About

  • Humanism is a political ideology that emphasizes the value and agency of human beings, individually and collectively. It is a democratic and ethical life stance that affirms that human beings have the right and responsibility to give meaning and shape to their own lives. Humanism stands for the building of a more humane society through an ethic based on human and other natural values in the spirit of reason and free inquiry through human capabilities. It is not theistic, and it does not accept supernatural views of reality.

    The roots of humanism can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, where philosophers like Protagoras declared "Man is the measure of all things," and Marcus Tullius Cicero wrote about a universal human nature. However, the term "humanism" was not coined until the 19th century. It was first used by German scholar and educational reformer Friedrich Immanuel Niethammer to describe a program of study distinct from traditional ecclesiastical schools, focusing on the study of the humanities, including grammar, rhetoric, history, poetry, and moral philosophy.

    During the Renaissance, humanism emerged as a significant intellectual movement in Europe. Renaissance humanists, such as Petrarch and Erasmus, sought to create a citizenry able to speak and write with eloquence and clarity, thus capable of engaging in the civic life of their communities and persuading others to virtuous and prudent actions. They believed that the study of classical literature led to a better understanding of human nature and allowed individuals to improve themselves and their societies.

    In the 20th century, humanism evolved into a more explicitly political and philosophical stance. The Humanist Manifesto, first published in 1933 and updated in 1973 and 2003, outlines the philosophical principles of humanism, including a commitment to science, reason, and human rights. Today, humanism often implies a secular or non-religious stance, although there are also religious humanists who integrate humanist principles with their religious beliefs.

    Humanism has influenced a variety of political movements, from liberal democracy and social democracy to various forms of socialism and anarchism. It has been a major influence in the development of human rights and international law, as well as in the promotion of social justice, environmental sustainability, and global peace. Despite its diverse influences and interpretations, the core principle of humanism remains the same: a commitment to the value and potential of all human beings, and the belief that we have the power and responsibility to shape our own lives and the world around us.

Relevant stances

Voters that identify as Humanism are most likely to agree with these stances.

Opposing stances

Voters that identify as Humanism are most likely to oppose these stances.

Similar ideologies

These ideologies are most similar to Humanism.

Human-Centered

Prioritizing the well-being, needs, and values of individuals to create a more equitable and sustainable society.

Government SpendingPaid Sick LeaveMandatory VaccinationsConfederate FlagImmigration Healthcare

Human Rights

The fair and equal treatment of all individuals, regardless of their background, to ensure their dignity, freedom, and well-being.

Government SpendingImmigration HealthcarePaid Sick LeaveConfederate FlagMandatory Vaccinations

Christian Left

Promoting social justice, environmental stewardship, and compassion for all people, guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ.

IsraelEconomic StimulusConfederate FlagPaid Sick LeaveUkrainian Defense Funding

Social Liberalism

Promoting individual freedom, social justice, and equal opportunity for all citizens through government intervention and regulation.

Immigration HealthcareDrug PolicyMedicaidWelfare Drug TestingConfederate Flag

Green Liberalism

Promoting environmentally sustainable policies while upholding individual freedoms and social justice to create a harmonious and prosperous society.

Government SpendingIsraelEconomic StimulusPaid Sick LeaveCorporate Subsidies

Liberalism (Modern)

Promoting individual freedom, social justice, and equal opportunity for all citizens through democratic processes and government intervention.

Government SpendingWelfarePublic TransportationMedicaidStudent Diversity Training

Opposing ideologies

These ideologies are least similar to Humanism.

Anarcho-Capitalism

Achieving a society where individual freedom is maximized through the elimination of government intervention and the promotion of voluntary exchanges within a free market system.

Economic StimulusPublic TransportationPaid Sick LeaveCandidate TransparencyAlternative Energy

Far-right

Promoting traditional values, nationalism, and strict immigration policies to preserve cultural identity and protect national sovereignty.

Gender IdentityLGBT Adoption RightsSingle-Payer HealthcareMedicaidMuslim Surveillance

Right-Wing

Promoting individual freedoms, limited government intervention, and strong national defense to create a prosperous and secure society.

TortureGender IdentityLGBT Adoption RightsVoter FraudPre-Existing Conditions

Right

Promoting individual freedoms and personal responsibility to create a prosperous and fair society.

Gender IdentitySingle-Payer HealthcareVoter FraudPublic TransportationLGBT Adoption Rights

Paleoconservatism

Preserving traditional values, limited government, and national sovereignty to maintain a stable and prosperous society.

LGBT Adoption RightsGender IdentityPre-Existing ConditionsCandidate TransparencyMedicaid Work Requirement

Market Fundamentalism

Unrestricted free markets lead to the most efficient and socially optimal allocation of resources.

Planned Parenthood FundingEconomic StimulusPre-Existing ConditionsPublic TransportationAlternative Energy

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