International Humanist
and Ethical Union.
Reprinted NZ Humanist 135
Ethical Humanism is a complex response to the world of those who hold that
man is self-dependent. It rejects absolutes and cannot be characteristically
represented by any tabulation of statements. Those that follow should be read
as an indication of what humanism stands for, rather than as a declaration of
what humanism is.
- Ethical Humanism expresses a moral conviction; it is an acceptance of
responsibility for human life in the world.
- It represents a way of life relying upon human capacities and natural
and social resources.
- Humanist morality starts with an acknowledgement of human
interdependence and the need for mutual respect.
- Ethical Humanism calls for a significant existence made worthwhile
through human commitment and acceptance, as a basis for enjoyment and
fulfilment.
- Man becomes human in society; society should provide conditions for the
fullest development of each man.
- Human development requires continuous improvement of the conditions of
free inquiry and of an open society.
- Scientific knowledge progressively established and applied is the most
reliable means of improving welfare.
- Human progress is progress in freedom of choice, human justice is the
progressive realisation of equality.
- Justice does not exclude force, but the sole desirable use of force is
to suppress the resort of force.
- Ethical Humanism affirms the unity of man and a common responsibility
of all men for all men.
Declared by the Board of the IHEU in 1965
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