24
Nobody can be a great leader without great followers. http:www.islamicmedicines.comforum
2.3 Humanism
2.3.1 Definition of Humanism
The third subchapter of the second chapter focuses on the description of humanism. To make it easier the writer gives a definition about humanism.
“ Humanism is a broad category of ethical philosophies that affirm the dignity and worth of all people, based on the ability to determine right and
wrong by appealing to universal human qualities, particularly rationality. It is a component of a variety of more specific philosophical systems and is
incorporated into several religious schools of thought”. http:en.wikipedia.orgwikiHumanistic.
Humanism can be considered the process by which truth and morality is sought through human investigation. In focusing on the
capacity for self-determination, humanism rejects the validity of transcendental justifications, such as a dependence on belief without
reason, the supernatural, or texts of allegedly divine origin. Humanists endorse universal morality based on the commonality of the human
condition, suggesting that solutions to human social and cultural problems cannot be parochial.
2.3.2 Aspects of Humanism
For further explanation, the writer will discuss the aspects of
humanism.There are some aspects of humanism, they are:
25
1 Religion
Humanism clearly rejects deference to supernatural beliefs in resolving human affairs but not necessarily the beliefs themselves; indeed some
strains of Humanism are compatible with some religions. It is generally compatible with atheism and agnosticism but doesnt require either of
these.
2 Knowledge
According to Humanism, it is up to humans to find the truth, as opposed to seeking it through revelation, mysticism, tradition, or anything else that is
incompatible with the application of logic to the observable evidence. In demanding that humans avoid blindly accepting unsupported beliefs, it
supports scientific skepticism and the scientific method, rejecting authoritarianism and extreme skepticism, and rendering faith an
unacceptable basis for action. Likewise, Humanism asserts that knowledge of right and wrong is based on the best understanding of ones individual
and joint interests, rather than stemming from a transcendental truth or an arbitrarily local source.
3 Speciesism
Some have interpreted Humanism to be a form of speciesism, regarding humans as being more important than other species. The philosopher Peter
Singer, himself a Humanist, stated that despite many individual
26
exceptions, Humanists have, on the whole, been unable to free themselves from one of the most central... Christian dogmas: the prejudice of
speciesism
4 Optimism
Humanism features an optimistic attitude about the capacity of people, but it does not involve believing that human nature is purely good or that all
people can live up to the Humanist ideals without help. If anything, there is the recognition that living up to ones potential is hard work and requires
the assistance of others. The ultimate goal is human flourishing; making life better for all humans, and as the most conscious species, also
promoting concern for the welfare of other sentient beings. The focus is on doing good and living well in the here and now, and leaving the world
better for those who come after. http:en.wikipedia.orgwikiHumanistic_aspect
Humanism refers to the affirmation of the worth and dignity of every person, a commitment to human betterment, and the necessity for human
beings to take responsibility for themselves and the world. http:www.uuworld.orgideasarticles6558.shtml
2.3.3 Kinds of Humanism