humanism

/ˌ(h)juməˈnɪzəm/

Do you think humans should use their brains and reason to be the best they can be, instead of relying on religion? Then you believe in humanism.

Humanism comes from the Latin humanitas, which means "education that befits a civilized man." This belief system or cultural movement bubbled up during the Renaissance, promoting classical Greek and Roman values like reason, justice and ethics instead of supernatural religious ideas. People who follow humanism are called humanists, and they've probably studied a lot of literature, philosophy and history.

Definitions of humanism

1. noun

   the doctrine that people's duty is to promote human welfare
   synonyms: humanitarianism

   type of:

   doctrine, ism, philosophical system, philosophy, school of thought

   a belief (or system of beliefs) accepted as authoritative by some group or school
2. noun

   the doctrine emphasizing a person's capacity for self-realization through reason; rejects religion and the supernatural
   synonyms: secular humanism

   type of:

   doctrine, ism, philosophical system, philosophy, school of thought

   a belief (or system of beliefs) accepted as authoritative by some group or school
3. noun

   the cultural movement of the Renaissance; based on classical studies
   type of:

   cultural movement

   a group of people working together to advance certain cultural goals