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Philosophy Task 5

Read and translate the text

THE MEANING OF HUMANISM

(from “The Philosophy of Humanism” by Corliss Lamont)

Since the earliest days of philosophic reflection far back to ancient time in both East and West thinkers have advanced simple proposition that the chief end of human life is to work for happiness of man upon this earth and within the confines of the nature that is his home. This philosophy of enjoying, developing and making available to everyone the abundant cultural and spiritual goods of this material world is profound in its implications, yet easy to understand and congenial to common sense.

This man-centered theory of life has remained relatively unheeded during the long periods of history. While it has gone under a variety of names, it is a philosophy that is most accurately to be designated as Humanism. Humanism as a philosophy represents a specific and forthright view of the universe, the nature of man and treatment of human problems.

The term Humanism first came into use in the early sixteenth century to designate the writers and scholars of the European Renaissance.

What are the basic principles of Humanism that define its position and distinguish it from other philosophic viewpoints?

First, Humanism believes in naturalistic metaphysics that regards nature as the totality of being and as a constantly changing system of matter and energy which exists independently of any mind or consciousness.

Second, Humanism believes that is an evolutionary product of this great nature of which he is a part.

Third, Humanism, having its ultimate faith in man, believes that human beings possess the power or potentiality of solving their own problems, through reliance primarily upon reason and scientific method applied with courage and vision.

Fourth, Humanism, in opposition to all theories of universal predestination or fatalism, believes that human beings possess genuine freedom of creative choice and action, and are, with certain objective limits, the masters of their own destiny.

Fifth, Humanism believes in ethics and morality that grounds all human values in experiences and relationships. The highest goals of Humanism are happiness, freedom and progress – economic, cultural and ethical.

Sixth, Humanism believes that the individual attains the good life by harmoniously combining personal satisfaction and continuous self-development with work and other activities that contribute to the welfare of the community.

Seventh, Humanism believes in the widest possible development of art and the appreciation of nature’s loveliness and splendor, so that the aesthetic experience may become a pervasive reality in the life of the men.

Eighth, Humanism believes in a far-reaching social program that stands for establishment throughout the world of democracy, peace and a high standard of living.

Ninth, Humanism believes in the complete social implementation of reason and scientific method; and thereby in the use of democratic procedures, including full freedom of expression and civil liberties, throughout all areas of economic, political and cultural life.

Tenth, Humanism believes in the unending questioning of basic assumptions and convictions, including its own. Humanism is not a new dogma, but a developing philosophy which remains ever open to experimental testing, newly discovered facts and reasoning.

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