Do we need religion for morality to exist?
Now let us take a look at a second challenge. We need religion for there to even be morality. The argument goes that without some external standard of right and …
Course: Introducing Humanism: Non-religious Approaches to Life, with Sandi Toksvig
Do we need religion to keep people moral?
Before we go on to explore how humanists believe we might be able to build morality, it is worth exploring some of the criticisms of a humanist approach to ethics …
Can we rely on our instincts?
Instincts: good and bad We have seen the humanist case for where the origins of our morality lie: in our evolution as a social animal. It is our social instincts …
The evolution of altruism
The primatologist and zoologist Frans de Waal highlights two propensities necessary for moral behaviour: Reciprocity with a sense of justice This is the practice of exchanging things with others for …
The origins of morality
Richard Norman explains what it is about our nature that gives rise to moral questions.
Where does morality come from?
‘Why should I consider others? These ultimate moral questions, like all ultimate questions, can be desperately difficult to answer, as every philosophy student knows. Myself, I think the only possible …
How do we know what is right and wrong?
Take a look at the video of different humanists answering the question, ‘How do we know what is right and wrong?’ Look out for similarities and differences between the humanist …
Summary of Week 3
Congratulations on completing Week 3. In Week 1 we explored the humanist understanding of human beings, of our limitations and our capabilities. This week we have learned how humanists attempt …
Making things better
In this video AC Grayling describes how a recognition of tragedy can motivate the way we live.
The need to acknowledge tragedy
Below is an article from humanist philosopher Richard Norman on the way that humanism needs to acknowledge the possibility of failure and tragedy in our lives. From a humanist point …
The importance of stories
We now return to the question of what makes a meaningful life. Below is an article from humanist philosopher Richard Norman on how stories can give meaning to our life …
Humanist spirituality
Some critics claim that a humanist conception of a good life lacks a whole dimension, they say it leaves little room for depth or wonder. Below, Jacqueline Watson explains how …
What are the ingredients of a good life?
Take a look at the video of different humanists answering the question, ‘What is the good life?’ Look out for similarities and differences between the humanist responses and consider where …
Is there a single answer?
Many answers When it comes to the question of what makes a good life, there is no one single answer. No one size fits all way to live. Different people’s …
These articles are from the online course:
Introducing Humanism: Non-religious Approaches to Life, with Sandi Toksvig