Introducing Humanism: non-religious approaches to life, with Sandi Toksvig
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Learn about how humanists approach life’s big questions
Humanism is a non-religious, ethical world view shared by millions of people around the world. Humanists believe that this life is the only life we have, that the universe is a natural phenomenon with no supernatural side, and that we can live ethical and fulfilling lives on the basis of reason and humanity.
However, there is widespread misunderstanding about what it means to be a humanist or to live a life without a religion. On this course you will learn more about humanist beliefs and values, and discover how humanists attempt to answer life’s big questions.
‘I love this course… I am asking myself many new questions – about humanism, about life, about my life and choices, about what I think, about morality and meaning.’
Yannicke
Course content
Introducing humanism: non-religious approaches to life is designed as a six-week course with around 2-3 hours of content each week. You may, however, prefer to cover the content more quickly, or to take more time over it. There are no restrictions on your access to the course material.
- Part 1: Humanism and the human being
- Part 2: Understanding reality
- Part 3: Making life meaningful
- Part 4: Being good
- Part 5: Humanism in practice: a better world?
- Part 6: What is humanism?
What will you cover?
- The humanist understanding of human beings: our nature, capacities, and responsibilities
- How humanists answer questions about the world (science, reason, scepticism) and the consequences for a humanist understanding of reality
- A humanist approach to making life meaningful and the value of individual freedom
- The origins and evolution of morality and a humanist perspective on how to be good
- The humanist vision for society (secularism, freedoms, and human rights) and the motivations behind their goals
- Different definitions of humanism, its history, and its diversity
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you’ll be able to…
- Investigate and explore humanist beliefs, values, and goals
- Demonstrate an understanding of the humanist worldview
- Apply what you have learned in discussion with others
- Evaluate the humanist approach to life
- Reflect upon your own approach and your answers to life’s big questions
‘This course has been excellent in its structure and content… Use of sources from classical philosophers to young people today have enlivened the learning process. Thank you, course team – this is the best on-line course I have done so far.’
Alexandra
Who is the course for?
This course is suitable for anyone looking to develop their understanding of humanism. It will particularly appeal to those with a passion for exploring life’s big questions. It will also be of value to teachers and other educators wanting to develop their subject knowledge about non-religious beliefs, and to sixth-form students looking to prepare themselves for a degree in the humanities.
Who developed the course?
Humanists UK is a charity advancing free thinking and promoting humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. Our education work is informed with the support of over 150 of the UK’s most prominent philosophers, scientists, and other thinkers and experts. Discover more of our education resources at Understanding Humanism.
‘I can’t recommend highly enough this free online course, from Humanists UK. It’s an exquisite example of how to teach humanism.’
James
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Course Content
Ratings and Reviews
MaryAnn
The course was a wonderful way of looking inward, of examining what I truly believe, what I need to reevaluate, and what questions I should never stop asking. Thank you to all of the course organizers for presenting me with this unique opportunity to grow.
Hans Hendrickx
I have followed quite a few courses at different schools, and this is one of the best I've encountered. Plus, it is free! The structured, clear lay-out, the qualitative teachings, the recommended readings and the short videos all cumulated to a respectable course. If I had to add anything to the course, it would be a questionnaire (multiple choice) per module, just before the summary. Thank you.
Mostyn
The course was well structured and provided many avenues for pursuing the topics. I liked the balance of written and AV material. What was not to like! This has inspired me to follow up on many of the topics. Many thanks.
Carlos Alberto Reyes
I really liked the way the course unfolded. It didn't give a textbook definition, but rather explored humanism holistically, everything that makes it up, creating for each individual their own meaning of what it means to be a human being.
Excellent content, I genuinely really enjoyed the course. What a wonderful way to describe myself; a humanist. It makes sense to me now and I will be exploring more, thank you