Course: Introducing Humanism: Non-religious Approaches to Life, with Sandi Toksvig

Take a look at the video of different humanists answering the question ‘What kind of world do you want?’. Consider where you agree and where you disagree. You will be …

Can we make moral progress? If there is no objective moral truth, then can we speak of making moral progress? A humanist can argue that we can. The way to …

Although it may be the case that our responsibilities to others and our proper concern for our own wellbeing are both essential components of a life well lived, in practice …

‘The whole antithesis between self and the rest of the world, which is implied in the doctrine of self-denial, disappears as soon as we have any genuine interest in persons …

Not all humanists will follow the same line of reasoning, but below Richard Norman provides an example of how a humanist might tackle the question. A good example of how …

‘… despite many individual exceptions, Humanists have on the whole been unable to free themselves from one of the most central of these Christian dogmas: the prejudice of speciesism.’ Peter …

We have learned how reason can help us to establish what is right and wrong. However, reason alone cannot motivate us morally. We cannot work towards human wellbeing or support …

‘Reason alone may be incapable of determining right and wrong, but that is not to say that establishing what is right and wrong has nothing to do with reason.’ Stephen …

‘It is rare that two moral situations in life are exactly the same, and so we have to use our intelligent judgment in repeatedly new situations. To apply one rule …

We will now turn to how humanists might believe we can best promote human wellbeing and flourishing in line with our shared human values. In this section we will explore …

Talk of ‘shared values’ may look implausible when we think about the extent of moral diversity and disagreement. Some of the greatest civilizations of the past have taken it for …

‘When the trustful child becomes a critical adolescent. He may then cast off all his religious beliefs; and, if his moral training has been closely tied up with religion, it …

AC Grayling describes where we might begin to find answers about how we should behave towards others.

Philosopher Stephen Law explains moral relativism and some of the problems with it. Question: Relativism is not without its problems, but, without divine commands, do we have to accept it …