Humanism
The continuous and steady rise of democratic societies in the world since the democratic revolutions of the 18th century makes us recognize political democracy as the moral and practical way to determine the form of the government and self-rule of the people, i.e., the use of an electoral mandate to select political leaders to implement the main policies, the right to dissent, the right to opposition, the rule of law, and the assurance of civil liberties.
This political and democratic revolutionary process goes hand in hand with the moral revolution leading to the development of ethical values and norms for our conduct which are both practical and rational, based on our universal human condition of living in a global society.
The central value for all humans is self-realization and fulfillment. Thus, all persons are not only equal in their dignity and value, but also are equal before the law and are entitled to participate in society so that they are able to achieve a fulfilling life.
All individuals should have a right to self-determination. Furthermore, they should have freedom of choice and freedom to develop their own values and lifestyle, as long as they do not deny the same rights to others. Society should restrict an individual's liberties only in accordance with social needs in a democratic process. Therefore, tolerance and respect of others becomes another of the basic moral principles. The right to self-determination, however, necessitates personal responsibility and moral growth through education and rational, critical inquiry.
Humanism is the intellectual formulation of the recognition of universal morality in a global society with all its freedoms and obligations. Humanism is the moral philosophy concerned with the reality available to us through reason and scientific inquiry. It is an open-ended process that provides answers to human problems.
Center Publications
Essays in the Philosophy of Humanism. A Journal of the American Humanist Association. (Back issues, below, are available for purchase at $12 per issue plus $3 for Priority Mail shipping. Make checks out to "Marian Hillar" and send to: Center for Philosophy and Socinian Studies; 9330 Bankside; Houston, TX 77031.)
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