British Humanism Literary Theory

British Humanism: Definition

British Humanism, or secular humanism, is a philosophical and ethical worldview that centers on human beings and rejects supernatural or religious explanations for existence and morality.

• It prioritizes human rationality, science, and autonomy when addressing ethical dilemmas, and aims to promote individual well-being, social justice, and a responsibility toward humanity and the planet.
• British Humanism is marked by a commitment to human rights, social equality, and the pursuit of knowledge, guided by principles of reason, empathy, and critical thinking.
• It is a secular, non-religious perspective that has significantly influenced the ethical and intellectual landscape of modern British society, impacting discussions on education, ethics, and the separation of church and state.

British Humanism: Principals

Principal	Explanation	Example
Secular Worldview	Grounded in a secular perspective that excludes religious or supernatural beliefs from its core principles.	Rejecting supernatural explanations in ethical decisions.
Human-Centered Morality	Emphasizes human well-being and flourishing as central moral concerns.	Prioritizing human welfare in ethical considerations.
Rationality and Critical Thinking	Promotes the use of reason and critical thinking to address ethical dilemmas.	Applying logic and critical analysis to make ethical choices.
Autonomy and Personal Freedom	Values individual autonomy and personal freedom in decision-making.	Supporting the right of individuals to make choices based on their judgment.
Social Justice	Advocates for equality and fairness in society, promoting social justice.	Working towards fair treatment and equal opportunities for all.
Empathy and Compassion	Encourages empathy and compassion as guiding principles in ethical decision-making.	Demonstrating understanding and care for others in moral choices.
Scientific Inquiry	Values science as a reliable method for understanding the world and solving problems.	Relying on scientific methods to address societal issues.
Secular Ethics	Aims to develop a system of secular ethics based on reason and empathy, without religious foundations.	Creating ethical guidelines without relying on religious beliefs.
Responsibility to Humanity and the Environment	Emphasizes a sense of responsibility for the well-being of humanity and the planet.	Taking actions that benefit both humanity and the environment.
Human Rights and Equality	Aligned with protecting human rights and promoting social equality as fundamental principles.	Advocating for equal rights and opportunities for all individuals.
Separation of Church and State	Supports the separation of religious institutions and state governance, ensuring religious freedom and equal treatment.	Advocating for a secular government that respects all religions.
Promotion of Knowledge	Encourages the pursuit of knowledge and education to improve the human condition and address societal issues.	Promoting education and research for societal betterment.

British Humanism: Theorists, Works and Arguments

1. A.C. Grayling:
   • The Good Book: A Humanist Bible
   • Grayling argues for the development of a secular ethical framework and provides a collection of humanist principles and values, emphasizing reason, empathy, and moral virtues.
2. Richard Dawkins:
   • The God Delusion
   • Dawkins criticizes religious beliefs and argues for atheism, secularism, and the promotion of scientific reasoning over faith. He asserts that a scientific worldview is more rational and enlightening.
3. Julian Baggini:
   • Atheism: A Very Short Introduction
   • Baggini explores atheism as a valid and moral worldview, countering the notion that it lacks a moral foundation. He highlights the compatibility of atheism with ethical principles.
4. Bertrand Russell:
   • Why I Am Not a Christian
   • Russell challenges religious claims and presents a case for agnosticism and secular humanism. He emphasizes the need for reason and critical thinking in matters of faith.
5. Mary Wollstonecraft:
   • A Vindication of the Rights of Woman
   • Wollstonecraft advocates for women’s rights and equality. Her work contributed to the development of feminist humanism, emphasizing gender equality and rational education.
6. John Stuart Mill:
   • On Liberty
   • Mill’s advocacy for individual freedom and autonomy aligns with humanist principles. He argues that society should not interfere with individual choices and opinions as long as they do not harm others.
7. George Holyoake:
   • The Reasoner
   • Holyoake was a key proponent of secularism and coined the term “secularism.” He argued for the separation of religion from public life and the promotion of reason and science.
8. Humanist Manifestos:
   • Various Humanist Manifestos, including the Humanist Manifesto I, II, and III.
   • These manifestos outline the principles of secular humanism, including the promotion of reason, science, ethics, and human rights. They have been influential in defining the humanist worldview.
9. Karl Popper:
   • The Open Society and Its Enemies
   • Popper’s work on open societies and the philosophy of science emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and democratic values, aligning with humanist principles.

British Humanism: Representative Works

Work	Features
The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins	This influential book criticizes religious beliefs and advocates for atheism and secularism. Richard Dawkins emphasizes the importance of science, reason, and critical thinking in understanding the world while challenging the concept of God.
The Good Book: A Humanist Bible by A.C. Grayling	A.C. Grayling presents a collection of humanist principles and values, providing a secular ethical framework that underscores reason, empathy, and moral virtues. It offers a humanist perspective on morality, ethics, and life’s meaningfulness.
A Vindication of the Rights of Woman by Mary Wollstonecraft	Mary Wollstonecraft’s groundbreaking work is a pioneering feminist text that passionately advocates for women’s rights and equality. It contributed significantly to the development of feminist humanism by addressing the importance of gender equality and rational education.
On Liberty by John Stuart Mill	In “On Liberty,” John Stuart Mill defends individual freedom and autonomy, aligning with humanist principles. He emphasizes the significance of personal choices, opinions, and individual liberties, advocating for minimal state interference and the importance of free expression.
The Reasoner by George Holyoake	George Holyoake, a key proponent of secularism, used “The Reasoner” as a platform to advocate for the separation of religion from public life. He promoted reason, science, and the application of rational thought to societal and ethical issues, emphasizing secular values.
Humanist Manifestos (Various)	Various Humanist Manifestos, including the Humanist Manifesto I, II, and III, outline the principles of secular humanism. They promote reason, science, ethics, and human rights as foundational values, advocating for a worldview grounded in rationality and ethical responsibility.
The Open Society and Its Enemies by Karl Popper	Karl Popper’s work on “The Open Society and Its Enemies” emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and democratic values, aligning with humanist principles. Popper advocates for open societies, the value of reason, and the rejection of authoritarian ideologies.

British Humanism: Examples of Critiques

1. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley:
   • Critique: A humanist perspective might critique the novel for its portrayal of a dystopian society where technology and conditioning suppress individuality and freedom. The rigid caste system and the prioritization of pleasure over deeper human experiences could be seen as a violation of humanist values.
   • Humanist Emphasis: The critique might emphasize the importance of individual autonomy, critical thinking, and the pursuit of meaningful relationships over superficial pleasures.
2. 1984 by George Orwell:
   • Critique: A humanist critique could focus on the oppressive nature of the totalitarian regime depicted in the novel. The suppression of free thought, the manipulation of truth, and the dehumanization of individuals might be seen as stark violations of humanist principles.
   • Humanist Emphasis: The critique might highlight the importance of intellectual freedom, the right to privacy, and the dangers of unchecked power in order to protect the dignity and rights of individuals.
3. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley:
   • Critique: A humanist perspective might critique the novel for the consequences of Victor Frankenstein’s unchecked ambition and his neglect of ethical considerations in the pursuit of scientific knowledge. The creature’s isolation and rejection raise questions about the ethical responsibility of the creator.
   • Humanist Emphasis: The critique might stress the importance of ethical conduct in scientific endeavors, empathy towards created beings, and the potential dangers of scientific advancements without ethical considerations.
4. Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf:
   • Critique: A humanist critique might focus on the novel’s exploration of the interior lives of characters and the societal expectations that constrain them. The emphasis on the psychological complexities of individuals and the impact of societal norms on personal fulfillment could be a humanist concern.
   • Humanist Emphasis: The critique might underscore the importance of understanding and addressing the emotional and psychological needs of individuals, advocating for a society that values the well-being and self-expression of its members.

British Humanism: Suggested Readings

1. Dawkins, Richard. The God Delusion. Bantam, 2006.
2. Grayling, A.C. The Good Book: A Humanist Bible. Walker & Company, 2011.
3. Mill, John Stuart. On Liberty. Dover Publications, 2002.
4. Popper, Karl. The Open Society and Its Enemies. Routledge, 2011.
5. Swift, Jonathan. A Modest Proposal. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2015.
6. Wollstonecraft, Mary. A Vindication of the Rights of Woman. Penguin Classics, 2004.