What does humanism mean?
Humanism is a broad philosophical outlook that places human beings at the center of inquiry, value, and ethical responsibility. It commonly emphasizes dignity, freedom, reason, individual agency, and concern for human flourishing, while often grounding moral discussion in human experience rather than divine command or revealed truth. The term can denote a particular intellectual and ethical position, especially secular humanism, or the wider cultural movement known as Renaissance humanism, which revived the study of classical Greek and Roman texts. In education, humanistic approaches emphasize critical thought, creativity, cultural understanding, and the common humanity of learners. The word is also associated with humanist values, such as respect for people, openness, tolerance, and responsibility. Because humanism exists in religious as well as secular forms, it should not automatically be understood as atheism. The term is especially useful when discussing the source and scope of moral values, the role of reason, and the ways different traditions define human dignity.
nounHumanism is a philosophical movement or outlook that emphasizes human values, dignity, reason, and agency, often grounding moral inquiry in human experience rather than divine authority. In modern usage, it may also refer more broadly to any human-centered worldview, including secular humanism.
- A philosophical stance or movement that places human dignity, agency, reason, and values at the center, often without making divine revelation the foundation of morality.
- The Renaissance intellectual movement associated with the study of classical Greek and Roman texts and the development of humanist scholarship.
"The museum's educational program promotes humanism by encouraging visitors to engage with art, history, and classical ideas."
"The lecture examined how humanism can provide a secular foundation for ethical responsibility."
"Her study of Petrarch helped illuminate the development of Renaissance humanism."
The plural is grammatically standard but uncommon; the word is usually used as an uncountable name for a philosophy or movement.
"Different humanisms have offered competing accounts of reason, morality, and human dignity."
From Renaissance scholars reviving classical texts to modern debates over ethics and reason, humanism has long asked what place human beings should occupy at the center of intellectual and moral life.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does humanism come from?
Humanism was formed in English from humanist with the suffix -ism and ultimately derives from Latin humanus, meaning “human” or “humane,” which is related to homo, meaning “human being.” The word humanist emerged in the early modern period in connection with the revival of classical learning, while humanism developed as a broader name for related philosophical and cultural ideas. Related English words include human, humanity, humanities, humanist, humanistic, and humanistically.
Related word forms
How humanism is actually used
Humanism is an intellectual and formal term. In contemporary discussion, it sometimes stands for secular humanism, but humanism is not necessarily atheist or anti-religious; religious humanism is also an established position.
Easily confused with humanism
Humanism is a philosophical emphasis on human values and agency, whereas humanitarianism chiefly refers to efforts to relieve human suffering.