humanisti

Humanisti, or humanists, are adherents of humanism, a philosophy and ethical stance that emphasizes the value of human dignity, agency, and rational inquiry. While beliefs vary, humanists typically stress empathy, social justice, education, scientific understanding, and the idea that ethical guidance can be grounded in human welfare rather than divine authority. Humanists may be secular, religious, or come from diverse cultural backgrounds, but share a commitment to critical thinking, evidence, and humane values.

Historically, the term arose in Latin as humanitas and was used during the Renaissance to describe scholars who studied classical Latin and Greek texts and promoted humane learning. Renaissance humanists such as Petrarch, Boccaccio, and Erasmus argued that education in the studia humanitatis—grammar, rhetoric, history, poetry, and moral philosophy—would cultivate virtuous and effective citizens. The movement helped shift culture toward print, education, and secular civic life.

In modern usage, humanism encompasses a range of approaches. Secular humanism asserts that people can lead meaningful, ethical lives through reason, science, and respect for human rights without reliance on supernatural beliefs. Religious humanism seeks to combine humanistic ethics with religious or spiritual practice. Across contexts, humanists engage in education, cultural production, advocacy for human rights, and efforts to foster dialogue and well-being within communities.

See also: Humanism; Renaissance humanism; secular humanism; humanities; ethics.