Part 1: Humanism and the human being

Introduction to the course

7 Topics

Welcome to the course

Course content and navigation

What does humanism mean to humanists?

Information about the course

Introduction to Part 1

An introduction to humanism

What questions are raised by a humanist approach to life?

The human being

5 Topics

What are human beings?

Origins and evolution

Drawing conclusions for how to live

Human capabilities and responsibilities

3 Topics

Is there anything to celebrate about being human?

Self-consciousness

Human responsibilities

Summary of Part 1

2 Topics

Reflection: What do you think?

Summary of Part 1

Part 2: Understanding reality

Introduction to Part 2

2 Topics

Welcome to Part 2

How do you know what is true?

Scepticism and reason

9 Topics

What is scepticism?

What reasons do we have to believe things and how can we be mistaken?

Rational belief

What can we rely on?

Same evidence, different beliefs

Deciding between explanations

Reasonableness comes in degrees

Criticism of a humanist approach

Are there many truths?

6 Topics

How can I know what is true?

Science: The best way of understanding the world?

Is science a force for good?

Making progress in our understanding

The limits of science – non-scientific questions

The limits of science – humanist response

Consequences and conclusions

3 Topics

Atheism and agnosticism

Reflection: What does the humanist approach leave room for?

Summary of Part 2

1 Topic

Summary of Part 2

Part 3: Making life meaningful

Introduction to Part 3

1 Topic

Welcome to Part 3

6 Topics

What should we think about death?

Should we be afraid of death?

The end of life

Mortality and the need to embrace life

Humanist funerals

Making life meaningful

4 Topics

How can I be happy?

What is the meaning of life?

A sense of scale

Are we insignificant?

10 Topics

One life: Live it well

Is happiness the most important goal in life?

Is there a single answer?

What are the ingredients of a good life?

What is the good life?

Humanist spirituality

The importance of stories

The need to acknowledge tragedy

Making things better

Summary of Part 3

1 Topic

Summary of Part 3

Part 4: Being good

Introduction to Part 4

2 Topics

Welcome to Part 4

How can we know what is right and wrong?

What makes morality possible?

4 Topics

Where does morality come from?

The origins of morality

The evolution of altruism

Can we rely on our instincts?

3 Topics

Do we need religion to keep people moral?

Do we need religion for morality to exist?

Moral relativism

A humanist view

3 Topics

Moral standards

The content of morality

Humanist ethics in practice

7 Topics

Taking responsibility

Rules and consequences

The role of reason

Empathy and the golden rule

Case study: a humanist response

Being good to ourselves and others

2 Topics

Conflicting interests?

How far do our obligations stretch?

2 Topics

A work in progress?

Summary of Part 4

Part 5: Humanism in practice: a better world?

Introduction to Part 5

3 Topics

Welcome to Part 5

What kind of world do you want?

Building a better world

2 Topics

The veil of ignorance

Secularism, Education, and Dialogue

6 Topics

The plural society

What is secularism?

The case for secularism

The state of secularism

4 Topics

The harm principle

The harm principle and freedom of belief

Freedom of expression

Humanist ceremonies and pastoral care

6 Topics

Humanist campaigning

International humanism

How might a humanist respond?

The environment

The little fight and the great fight

How much work is still to be done?

Summary of Part 5

1 Topic

Summary of Part 5

Part 6: What is Humanism?

Introduction to Part 6

1 Topic

Welcome to Part 6

Definitions and diversity

4 Topics

Do we need a definition?

Can we define humanism?

Diversity within humanism

The possibility of change

Humanism: then and now

6 Topics

‘Humanism’ – a history of the word

Diverse beginnings

Is humanism a product of religion?

The changing picture of religion and belief

How many humanists are there?

What kind of thing is Humanism?

5 Topics

What kind of thing is Humanism?

Can you be religious and a humanist?

Is humanism a religion?

When did you decide you were a humanist?

How is the label ‘humanist’ used?

4 Topics

Summary of Part 6

Reflecting on the course

Thanks and goodbye

An introduction to humanism

Introduction to Humanism: Non-religious approaches to life, with Sandi Toksvig Introduction to the course An introduction to humanism

In this video the Chief Executive of Humanists UK Andrew Copson presents an introduction to humanist beliefs and values and provides his answers to the questions we will be exploring throughout the course.

Video transcript

Andrew Copson – An introduction to humanism