Humanismi

Humanismi, in Finnish usage, corresponds to the broader philosophical and ethical movement known as humanism. It denotes a stance that centers human welfare, dignity, and agency, and seeks to base values and decisions on reason, experience, and human needs rather than on supernatural authority. Humanismi can refer to both secular and religious expressions, though it is often associated with non-theistic or pluralist approaches that emphasize ethics, education, and universal rights.

Historically, humanism has roots in classical antiquity through Greek and Roman thought and was later revived during the Renaissance as a reformist intellectual project privileging human potential, the study of classical languages, and critical inquiry. In modern times, secular humanism emerged from Enlightenment and liberal traditions, stressing science, democratic governance, and universal rights; religious humanism articulates a human-centered interpretation of religious life.

Core ideas include the value of human autonomy, the use of reason and evidence in forming beliefs, ethical naturalism, and commitment to human rights and social welfare. Practices associated with humanismi include education focused on critical thinking and creativity, and civic engagement through human rights advocacy, charitable work, and secular or pluralistic institutions. In public discourse, humanismi often supports freedom of conscience, church-state separation, and inclusive communities.

Within Finland and Nordic contexts, humanismi is used to describe a broad civic culture that emphasizes education, tolerance, and scientific literacy, aligning with both secular and religious humanist currents.