"Secular Humanism is a term
which has come into use in the last thirty years to
describe a world view with the following elements and
principles:
• A
conviction that dogmas, ideologies and traditions, whether
religious, political or social, must be weighed and tested
by each individual and not simply accepted on faith.
• Commitment to the use of critical reason, factual
evidence, and scientific methods of inquiry, rather than
faith and mysticism, in seeking solutions to human problems
and answers to important human questions.
• A primary concern with fulfillment, growth, and
creativity for both the individual and humankind in
general.
• A constant search for objective truth, with the
understanding that new knowledge and experience constantly
alter our imperfect perception of it.
• A concern for this life and a commitment to making
it meaningful through better understanding of ourselves,
our history, our intellectual and artistic achievements,
and the outlooks of those who differ from us.
• A search for viable individual, social and political
principles of ethical conduct, judging them on their
ability to enhance human well-being and individual
responsibility.
• A conviction that with reason, an open marketplace
of ideas, good will, and tolerance, progress can be made in
building a better world for ourselves and our children."
(Source: Council for Secular Humanism)
Many secular humanist groups are members
of the Council for Secular
Humanism;
an extensive amount of information can be found at their
web site.