humanism

[hyoo-muh-niz-uhm, yoo-]

noun

1. any system or mode of thought or action in which human interests, values, and dignity predominate.

2. devotion to or study of the humanities.

3. (sometimes initial capital letter),  the studies, principles, or culture of the humanists.

4. Philosophy.,  a variety of ethical theory and practice that emphasizes reason, scientific inquiry, and human fulfillment in the natural world and often rejects the importance of belief in God.

humanism

/ ˈhjuːməˌnɪzəm /

noun

1. the denial of any power or moral value superior to that of humanity; the rejection of religion in favour of a belief in the advancement of humanity by its own efforts

2. a philosophical position that stresses the autonomy of human reason in contradistinction to the authority of the Church

3. (often capital) a cultural movement of the Renaissance, based on classical studies

4. interest in the welfare of people

Other Word Forms

• antihumanism noun
• semihumanism noun
• humanistic adjective
• humanist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of humanism¹

First recorded in 1805–15; human + -ism

Example Sentences

Divided into three sections hinged together by a through-line of humanism, Elizabeth Alexander reminds the reader that Jordan “was a prolific poet whose lyrical voice linked political struggle with an ethic of love.”

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The United States’ unique brand of humanism, with its emphasis on the individual and risk-taking, has shaped a form of free-market capitalism that continues to drive progress.

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Playwrights and directors have a duty to guide audiences through the brave new technological world that is overturning many of the bedrock assumptions of humanism since the Renaissance.

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It’s the “humanism” part that they stand against.

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“Not to the surreal or even unique individualism in your art, but to your humanism.”

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