A Canadian Humanist Initiative
A Canadian Humanist Initiative
Reclaiming Humanism to its Enlightenment Roots
These discussion papers grew out of conversations among the members of the New Enlightenment Project. The original intention was to have them appear on a page of the group’s website to help clarify the NEP’s position on several topics of…
I became a humanist, without knowing the term, when, as a teenager, I realized that the dogmas preached in the church that I attended did not hold up to the reality of the natural world. There is no divine compassion or…
PART 1 I Because humanists emphasize the importance of analyzing empirical evidence rationally it is sometimes thought that they are cold and machine like. Nothing could be further from the truth. Humanism gives equal emphasis to compassion, joy and creativity.…
PART ONE Democracy in government essentially means “rule by the people” rather than rule by a monarch, aristocracy or dictator. Democracy is not a new idea but it is one that has not been put into practice all that often.…
PART ONE I Humanism seeks truth from evidence and rational analysis. It engages in calm and open discussions that display a desire to understand various points of view. There is, however, no acceptance of divinity, doctrine, or dogma. Therefore, humanists…
PART ONE The Enlightenment, also known as “The Age of Reason”, was a European intellectual and cultural movement in the 17th century that emphasized reason over faith and science over superstition. (It is not to be confused with “enlightenment” as…
PART ONE You do not have to be a doctor to know that good hygiene, nutrition, and exercise are important to help maintain good health. You do not have to be a psychologist to know that repeated and uncontrolled behaviour…
PART ONE Humanists seek knowledge from evidence, think scientifically without reference to divine intervention, and are open to discussion. They are also motivated by honesty, empathy, and compassion. How does this approach apply to issues such as an understanding of…
