In 1952 at the first and founding IHEU-congress, a declaration with IHEU's principles about humanism was formulated and accepted as resolution. In 2002 at the anniversary congress of 50 years IHEU a revised version is adopted.
Humanism is the outcome of a long tradition of free thought that has inspired many of the world's great thinkers and creative artists and gave rise to science itself.
The fundamentals of modern Humanism are as follows:
Humanism is ethical.
It affirms the worth, dignity and autonomy of the individual and the right of
every human being to the greatest possible freedom compatible with the rights
of others. Humanists have a duty of care to all of humanity including future
generations. Humanists believe that morality is an intrinsic part of human
nature based on understanding and a concern for others, needing no external
sanction.
Humanism is rational.
It seeks to use science creatively, not destructively. Humanists believe that
the solutions to the world's problems lie in human thought and action rather
than divine intervention. Humanism advocates the application of the methods
of science and free inquiry to the problems of human welfare. But Humanists
also believe that the application of science and technology must be tempered
by human values. Science gives us the means but human values must propose the
ends.
Humanism supports democracy and human rights.
Humanism aims at the fullest possible development of every human being. It
holds that democracy and human development are matters of right. The
principles of democracy and human rights can be applied to many human
relationships and are not restricted to methods of government.
Humanism insists that personal liberty must be combined with social
responsibility.
Humanism ventures to build a world on the idea of the free person responsible
to society, and recognises our dependence on and responsibility for the
natural world. Humanism is undogmatic, imposing no creed upon its adherents.
It is thus committed to education free from indoctrination.
Humanism is a response to the widespread demand for an alternative to
dogmatic religion.
The world's major religions claim to be based on revelations fixed for all
time, and many seek to impose their world-views on all of humanity. Humanism
recognises that reliable knowledge of the world and ourselves arises through
a continuing process. of observation, evaluation and revision.
Humanism values artistic creativity and imagination and recognises the
transforming power of art.
Humanism affirms the importance of literature, music, and the visual and
performing arts for personal development and fulfilment.
Humanism is a lifestance aiming at the maximum possible fulfilment through the cultivation of ethical and creative living and offers an ethical and rational means of addressing the challenges of our times. Humanism can be a way of life for everyone everywhere.
Our primary task is to make human beings aware in the simplest terms of what Humanism can mean to them and what it commits them to. By utilising free inquiry, the power of science and creative imagination for the furtherance of peace and in the service of compassion, we have confidence that we have the means to solve the problems that confront us all. We call upon all who share this conviction to associate themselves with us in this endeavour.
IHEU Congress 2002.
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