Humanizm

Humanizm, also written as humanism in many languages, is a philosophical and ethical stance that places human values, dignity and agency at the center of inquiry. It typically emphasizes the use of reason, experience and responsibility to understand the world and to guide conduct. Some forms are secular, grounding ethics in human welfare; others are religious or theistic, interpreting human dignity within a spiritual framework.

Historically, humanism has roots in classical antiquity, with Greek and Roman thought that celebrated human potential. It re-emerged in the Renaissance as a movement that revived classical learning and civic involvement, emphasizing education, critical inquiry and the study of human culture. In modern times, humanism broadened into secular and scientific humanism, closely linked to Enlightenment ideals of reason, evidence and universal rights.

Core tenets include respect for human rights and equality, autonomy and freedom of thought, compassion and social justice. Humanists advocate education, scientific literacy and rational ethical deliberation grounded in human welfare. They often promote pluralism, tolerance, democratic participation and the separation of church and state, while some religious humanists affirm practices that align with their ethical commitments.

Impact and institutions: humanism influences education, culture, politics and humanitarian work. It is represented by diverse organizations worldwide that promote ethics and civic responsibility without supernatural authority, while some groups support the compatibility of religious communities with secular governance and science education.

Critics argue that secular approaches can clash with religious beliefs, and debates continue about the boundaries between religion, morality and public life within humanist frameworks. The term humanizm, used in several languages, often covers both secular and religious strands and is studied within philosophy, history and social ethics.