Humanism is a philosophical stance that treats human beings as the starting point for serious moral and philosophical inquiry. It emphasizes agency, autonomy, equal dignity, freedom, happiness, progress, and responsibility for improving individual and social life. In contemporary usage, humanism is usually non-theistic and naturalistic: science, reason, and free inquiry are favored over revelation as ways of understanding reality.
The tradition has many predecessors. Greek philosophers moved explanations of the world toward reason and natural law; Socrates investigated morality, Aristotle connected ethics to human nature, and Epicurus focused on happiness, friendship, and living well. Humanistic ideas also appeared in Chinese, Indian, and medieval Islamic intellectual traditions. Renaissance humanism then revived classical texts, transformed education through the studia humanitatis, and spread from Italy across Europe. During the Enlightenment, science, tolerance, opposition to slavery, and criticism of religious authority gave human-centered ideas new force.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, Darwin, utilitarian thinkers, critics of religion, and secular associations helped shape organized modern humanism. Humanists developed approaches to morality based on welfare, empathy, autonomy, and social improvement rather than divine commands. They commonly advocate secularism, democracy, free speech, civil rights, religious tolerance, and progressive policies.
Humanism has also faced criticism. Some argue its language of universal humanity reflects Western, Christian, or colonial assumptions; others call it vague, materialistic, or unable to provide firm moral foundations. Antihumanist thinkers challenge its ideas about human nature and freedom. Despite these disputes, humanist organizations operate worldwide, offering ceremonies, counseling, chaplaincy, education, and public advocacy.