Ethical humanism is a complex response to the world of those who hold that man is self-dependent. It rejects absolutes and cannot be characteristically represented by any tabulation of statements. Those that follow should be read as indication of what humanism stands for, rather than as a declaration of what humanism is.
- Ethical humanism expresses a moral conviction; it is acceptance of responsibility for human life in the world.
- It represents a way of life relying upon human capacities and natural and social resources.
- Humanist morality starts with an acknowledgement of human interdependence and the need for mutual respect.
- Ethical Humanism calls for a significant existence made worthwhile through human commitment and acceptance, as a basis for enjoyment and fulfilment.
- Man becomes human in society; society should provide conditions for the fullest possible development of each man.
- Human development requires continuous improvement of the conditions of free inquiry and of an open society.
- Scientific knowledge progressively established and applied is the most reliable means of improving the welfare.
- Human progress is progress in freedom of choice; human justice is the progressive realization of equality.
- Justice does not exclude force, but the sole desirable use of force is to suppress the resort to force.
- Ethical Humanism affirms the unity of man and a common responsibility of all men for all men.
Board of Directors 1965
Suggested academic reference
'What Ethical Humanism stands for', Humanists International, Board of Directors, 1965