Rationalism, Freethinker, Humanism & Secular Humanism?
- My “Rationalism” is a philosophy in which a high regard is given to reason (specifically logic) and to empirical observation. ref
- To me, “Freethinker” is a person who forms their own opinions about important subjects (such as religion and politics) instead of accepting what other people say without their own justification standard being achieved, or at least not contrary to reason or evidence. ref
- To me, in a general way, often expressed, “Humanism” can be thought to involve a philosophical and ethical stance that emphasizes the value and agency of human beings, individually and collectively, and generally prefers critical thinking and evidence (rationalism, empiricism) over established doctrine or faith (fideism or “faithism”). Thus, humans can solve human problems by human means not appealing to anything beyond that in one’s efforts of doing good without gods. ref
- To me, “Secular Humanism” goes beyond the avoidance of the appealing to a god or religion seen in more humanism only would assume, humans can solve human problems by human means, rather, “Secular humanism” fully rejects god and religions in addition to also be thought to involve a philosophical and ethical stance that emphasizes the value and agency of human beings, individually and collectively, and generally prefers critical thinking and evidence. Thus, a comprehensive, nonreligious life stance often incorporating things such as: A naturalistic philosophy. A cosmic outlook rooted in science. A consequentialist ethical system. ref
HUMANISM: to me, is relatively the philosophic thinking that humans can solve human problems by human means, without feeling a need to appeal to the likes of holy books, mystical anything, nor the belief in gods or religions. But, instead, aspires to a true belief in humanity, viewing it with a persuasion of equality. This caring realist thinking found in humanism utilizes an unstated assumption or aspiration, to do no harm as much as posable and to do good whenever one can.
Byron the Cosmic Goat @NotLordByron Replying to @AthopeMarie – “I’d add that to be a ‘freethinker’ one must endeavour to check one’s biases, examine the literature & data widely, be willing & able to adjust one’s positions on a topic based on the outcomes of these processes. Without this ‘free’ thinking is reduced to mere personal opinion.”