Secular Humanism in Literature & Literary Theory

Secular Humanism: Etymology/Term, Meanings and Concept

The term “Secular Humanism” blends two concepts. “Secular” derives from the Latin word saecularis, meaning “worldly” or “of this age,” implying a focus on the temporal rather than the spiritual. “Humanism” has roots in the Renaissance, emphasizing human potential, critical thinking, and ethics grounded in reason. Secular Humanism, therefore, is a philosophy that centers on human agency, progress, and well-being in this life, without reliance on supernatural beliefs.

Meanings and Concepts of Secular Humanism

• Emphasis on Reason and Science: Secular Humanists favor rational inquiry and the scientific method as the best ways to understand the world and solve problems.
• Focus on Human Flourishing: The goal is to create a world where individuals can thrive, live fulfilling lives, and create a just society.
• Ethics based on Human Values: Morality is grounded in compassion, empathy, and shared human needs rather than religious doctrine.
• Rejection of the Supernatural: Secular Humanists do not believe in gods, the afterlife, or supernatural forces that intervene in the natural world.
• Separation of Religion and State: Secular Humanists advocate for a clear separation between religious institutions and government to ensure freedom of conscience and equal treatment.
• Positive and Proactive Stance: Secular Humanism is an affirmative philosophy, celebrating human potential and stressing the responsibility to work towards a better world.

Secular Humanism: Definition of a Theoretical Term

Secular Humanism is a philosophical framework that emphasizes human reason, ethics, and the pursuit of individual and collective well-being without reliance on supernatural beliefs. It promotes critical thinking, moral autonomy, and the application of science and reason to address societal challenges and improve human flourishing. In essence, it advocates for a worldview centered on human dignity, freedom, and the potential for human progress through human agency and rational inquiry.

Secular Humanism: Theorists, Works and Arguments

Theorists:

• Paul Kurtz: Kurtz was a prominent advocate for secular humanism and founded several organizations promoting humanism, including the Council for Secular Humanism and the Center for Inquiry.
• Corliss Lamont: Lamont was a philosopher and author known for his advocacy of secular humanism, particularly through his book “The Philosophy of Humanism,” which outlines the principles and ethical framework of the philosophy.

Works:

• “The Philosophy of Humanism” by Corliss Lamont: This influential book provides a comprehensive overview of secular humanism, outlining its principles, ethics, and worldview.
• “The Humanist Manifesto” series: These manifestos, particularly the original 1933 manifesto and its subsequent revisions, articulate the principles and goals of secular humanism, including its emphasis on reason, ethics, and social justice.

Arguments:

• Ethical Basis: Secular humanism argues for the development of ethical systems based on human reason, empathy, and societal well-being, rather than on religious doctrine or authority.
• Separation of Church and State: Advocates of secular humanism argue for a strict separation between religious institutions and government, advocating for a secular society that respects religious freedom while ensuring that public policy is based on secular principles and evidence-based reasoning.
• Human Flourishing: Secular humanism promotes the idea that humans have the capacity and responsibility to improve their own lives and the world around them through rational inquiry, scientific progress, and ethical action, without reliance on supernatural beliefs or divine intervention.

Secular Humanism: Major Characteristics

1. Human Reason and Rationalism:
   • Literary Reference: In his essay “On Liberty,” John Stuart Mill emphasizes the importance of individual freedom and rational thought. He argues that society should allow individuals the freedom to pursue their own beliefs and ideas, provided they do not harm others.
2. Ethical Universalism:
   • Literary Reference: Immanuel Kant’s “Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals” lays out the foundations of moral philosophy based on the categorical imperative, which emphasizes treating others as ends in themselves rather than as means to an end.
3. Secular Ethics and Morality:
   • Literary Reference: Albert Camus’ novel “The Plague” explores themes of morality and human dignity in the face of adversity. Through the character of Dr. Rieux, Camus presents a secular humanist perspective on the importance of compassion and solidarity in times of crisis.
4. Scientific Inquiry and Empiricism:
   • Literary Reference: Carl Sagan’s “Cosmos” is not only a scientific exploration of the universe but also a testament to the power of scientific inquiry and the human capacity for understanding the natural world through empirical evidence.
5. Social Justice and Human Rights:
   • Literary Reference: In Harper Lee’s novel “To Kill a Mockingbird,” Atticus Finch exemplifies the secular humanist commitment to justice and equality through his defense of Tom Robinson, a black man wrongly accused of raping a white woman, despite the prevailing racial prejudices of his society.
6. Pluralism and Tolerance:
   • Literary Reference: Voltaire’s satire “Candide” critiques religious dogma and intolerance while advocating for a more tolerant and pluralistic society. Through the character of Pangloss, Voltaire satirizes the notion of blind optimism and emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and intellectual freedom.

Secular Humanism: Relevance in Literary Theories

Literary Theory	Relevance of Secular Humanism
Formalism	Secular Humanism emphasizes reason and rationality, which can inform the formalist approach by focusing on the text’s structure, language, and craftsmanship devoid of religious interpretation or bias.
Marxism	Within Marxism, Secular Humanism underscores the importance of material conditions and human agency in shaping society, aligning with Marxist critiques of religion as an ideological tool used by the ruling class to maintain power and control over the proletariat.
Feminist Literary Theory	Secular Humanism supports feminist literary theory by advocating for gender equality, autonomy, and the dismantling of patriarchal structures, which are often critiqued within feminist discourse for their religious underpinnings and perpetuation of gender inequality.
Postcolonial Theory	In postcolonial theory, Secular Humanism contributes to critiques of colonialism and imperialism by promoting secularism as a means to challenge the cultural and religious hegemony imposed by colonizers, empowering colonized peoples to reclaim their cultural autonomy and identities.
Queer Theory	Secular Humanism intersects with queer theory by advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and challenging religiously-based homophobia and transphobia. It supports the secular state’s role in safeguarding the rights and freedoms of queer individuals, free from religious discrimination or persecution.

Secular Humanism: Application in Critiques

1. Crime and Punishmentby Fyodor Dostoevsky:
   • Application of Secular Humanism: Secular Humanism critiques the religious themes and moral dilemmas in Crime and Punishment, arguing that protagonist Raskolnikov grapples with ethical questions and personal responsibility without relying on religious beliefs for moral guidance. The novel’s exploration of human nature, guilt, and redemption is analyzed from a secular perspective, emphasizing reason and empathy in understanding moral behavior.
2. The Scarlet Letterby Nathaniel Hawthorne:
   • Application of Secular Humanism: Secular Humanism critiques the religious hypocrisy and moral judgment depicted in The Scarlet Letter, focusing on Hester Prynne’s defiance of societal norms and religious authority. The novel’s themes of individualism, forgiveness, and the separation of church and state are analyzed through a secular lens, emphasizing human dignity and freedom of conscience.
3. Brave New Worldby Aldous Huxley:
   • Application of Secular Humanism: Secular Humanism critiques the dystopian society depicted in Brave New World for suppressing individuality, creativity, and critical thinking in favor of hedonistic pleasures and social conformity. The novel warns against authoritarianism and the manipulation of human behavior through technology and propaganda, advocating instead for a society that values human autonomy, reason, and ethical decision-making.
4. The Strangerby Albert Camus:
   • Application of Secular Humanism: Secular Humanism critiques existential themes in The Stranger, emphasizing Meursault’s existential crisis and his search for meaning and authenticity in an indifferent universe. The rejection of religious and societal norms reflects a humanist perspective valuing personal autonomy and moral agency. The novel’s exploration of the absurdity of existence underscores the importance of living authentically and ethically without relying on religious certainty or divine purpose.

Relevant Terms

Term	Definition
Agnosticism	The belief that the existence of God or the supernatural is unknown or unknowable.
Atheism	The rejection of belief in the existence of deities.
Ethics	A system of moral principles, derived from reason and human experience rather than religious doctrine.
Freethought	A position that beliefs should be formed on the basis of logic, reason, and evidence, rather than faith or authority.
Human Flourishing	The goal of creating conditions where individuals can live fulfilling lives, reach their potential, and contribute to a better society.
Naturalism	The view that the natural world is all that exists, and that supernatural explanations are not necessary.
Pragmatism	An emphasis on practical solutions and consequences, valuing what works to improve human well-being.
Rationalism	The reliance on reason and logic as the primary sources of knowledge and justification.
Scientific Method	A systematic approach to gaining knowledge through observation, hypothesis formation, and experimentation.
Separation of Church and State	The principle that government and religious institutions should remain separate and not interfere in each other’s domain.

Secular Humanism: Suggested Readings

1. Baggini, Julian. Atheism: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press, 2003.
2. Dawkins, Richard. The God Delusion. Houghton Mifflin, 2006.
3. Flynn, Tom, editor. The New Encyclopedia of Unbelief. Prometheus Books, 2007.
4. Harris, Sam. The End of Faith: Religion, Terror, and the Future of Reason. W.W. Norton & Company, 2004.
5. Hitchens, Christopher. God is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything. Twelve, 2007.
6. Kurtz, Paul. Living Without Religion: Eupraxophy. Prometheus Books, 1994.
7. Pinn, Anthony B. Humanism: An Introduction (Humanism in the Modern World). Routledge, 2023.
8. Sagan, Carl. The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark. Ballantine Books, 1995.
9. Shermer, Michael. Why People Believe Weird Things: Pseudoscience, Superstition, and Other Confusions of Our Time. St. Martin’s Griffin, 2002.