Introduction to Humanism: Non-religious approaches to life, with Sandi Toksvig
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.
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
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.
