Living a Humanist Life

Introduction to the Principles

Origins of the Principles

The core principles I put forward as a basis for our Humanist living originate in fundamental elements of our human character and identity. That is to say it is a fundamental element of our human character and identity that we are interested in supporting our own individual well-being and avoiding pain and suffering and, being high social and cooperative, we are fundamentally interested in the well-being of others and hope that others avoid pain and suffering too.

While these well-being goals are not always achieved and are sometimes dramatically not achieved, I see these core principles as observable truths about our fundamental individual and social human character and identity and our fundamental goals, which fundamentally override and should override other more potentially destructive elements of our human character and identity. The outcome of aiming for these well-being and pain prevention and reduction goals should be maximum well-being for ourselves and all others and prevention and reduction in pain and suffering for ourselves and all others, which seem like very worthwhile goals.

Beyond the Core Principles

Beyond the core principles, other principles put forward in regard to living a Humanist life are seen as stemming logically and evidentially from these core principles.

This is a Guide

While the core principles are seen as fundamental, all principles, all of our actions and beliefs are seen as being open to questioning, criticism and doubt (indeed having such doubt, questioning, reasoning and basing judgments in argument and evidence are mentioned as principles in themselves).

Notably, these pages provide guidance. I provide no complete and final answers here (or anywhere else for that matter).

Applying Principles. The Uniqueness of Situations

One of the principles put forward asks us to recognise that, while in some circumstances what we decide to do in terms of principles situations is often clear and straightforward, other judgments and decisions about what we do are often unique and individual with multiple factors needing to influence our judgments. So, importantly, decisions on and the application of principles often lie with each one of us as individuals or individual groups and institutions based on those circumstances, and often with incomplete information, with all the relevant influencing factors in play.

For example, as I mention in relation to the principles of honesty and integrity, our speaking truthfully is generally for the best, but not always for the best. Only you as an individual will be in the particular situation. Factors may be complex, including different personalities, previous history, possible futures, other situational factors and so you will need to make your best judgments in many situations in support of the well-being of both yourself and those others involved.