Introducing Humanism: non-religious approaches to life, with Sandi Toksvig
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 am I?
What are human beings?
Origins and evolution
Drawing conclusions for how to live
The one life
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?
Science
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?
Uncertainty
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
The One Life
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
What survives?
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?
The Good Life
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?
The Good Life
Reflection: 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?
Challenges
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
Shared values
The content of morality
Humanist ethics in practice
7 Topics
Taking responsibility
Rules and consequences
The role of reason
 Empathy and the golden rule
Animal welfare
Reflection: Case study
Case study: a humanist response
Being good to ourselves and others
2 Topics
Conflicting interests?
How far do our obligations stretch?
Summary
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
Equality
2 Topics
The veil of ignorance
Human rights
Secularism, Education, and Dialogue
6 Topics
The plural society
What is secularism?
The case for secularism
The state of secularism
Education
Dialogue
Freedoms
4 Topics
The harm principle
The harm principle and freedom of belief
Freedom of expression
Humanist ceremonies and pastoral care
Action
6 Topics
Humanist campaigning
International humanism
Reflection: 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?
Secularisation
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?
Summary
4 Topics
Summary of Part 6
Reflecting on the course
Going deeper
Thanks and goodbye
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The human being
Introducing Humanism: non-religious approaches to life, with Sandi Toksvig
The human being
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What am I?
What are human beings?
Origins and evolution
Drawing conclusions for how to live
The one life
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