Lesson 1: Humanism what is it?

• Religious education
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 3

Humanism 2025

Lesson 1

What is humanism?

Program

1. Welcome

2. Questionnaire

2. Schedule and Testing

3. Controversial opinions?

4. What is humanism?

5. Labor oppression

Quiz

Answer the questions on your paper

1. In general, I am inclined to accept the statements of authoritative scientists, opinion makers, journalists, etc. without question. Humanist: No

A free thinker and humanist will always think critically about the arguments and opinions of others. They are not influenced by appeals to authority, even when these come from people with status or recognized specialists

2. A spiritual life is possible without believing in a deity. Humanist: Yes

Many people feel a need for some form of spirituality, but this does not necessarily have to be fulfilled by a belief in a god or deity. Non-religious rituals and ceremonies can also provide people with meaning.

3. The attention given to ecology and climate is greatly exaggerated. There have been previous periods of global warming, and nature restores itself. Humanist: No

This statement is anything but humanistic. It has been scientifically demonstrated that the climate and environment urgently require our attention and care if we want to keep our planet livable for future generations. As humanists, we take into account the well-being of all people, animals, and ecosystems — both current and future.

4. Criticism and self-criticism are positive qualities. Critical thinking is the starting point of free inquiry, scientific development, and human progress. Humanist: Yes

Criticism, self-criticism, and critical thinking are fundamental to a humanistic view of humanity, science, and society. Scientific and moral progress is only possible when we continually question everything and compare it with truth and reality.

5. Everyone should be free to live according to his or her personal insights, provided human norms and values and the well-being of others are respected. Humanist: Yes

For humanists, autonomy and self-determination are essential values. Humanists decide for themselves — based on critical inquiry and moral reflection — what matters to them, while respecting the rights and well-being of others and upholding the principles that guarantee harmonious coexistence in a democratic society.

6. Freedom, equality or equal worth, and solidarity are important values. Humanist: Yes

Humanism is grounded in several important values known and respected since the Enlightenment: pluralism, tolerance, solidarity, dialogue, equality, democracy, and more. These values can also be found in major international treaties such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights.

7. Religions and religious authorities can also contribute meaningfully to social or ethical debates. But religious prescriptions and dogmas cannot be used as arguments. Humanist: Yes

Every worldview can offer added value in certain areas, as long as it does not attempt to restrict the freedom of others or present its own insights as absolute and unchangeable.

8. People who are less fortunate are usually responsible for their own situation. Society rewards those who make an effort. Humanist: No

Humaneness, reasonableness, understanding, and solidarity are crucial humanistic values. People are encouraged to strive for happiness, prosperity, and progress, but those who fall behind due to circumstances, setbacks, disabilities, or social factors always have the right to help and support. Humanism advocates for a humane society in which no one is abandoned.

9. Fundamentalism and radicalism must be tolerated in the name of freedom of expression. Humanist: No

Liberal humanism is fundamentally non-dogmatic, including regarding its own principles. Freedom of expression is a core value, but it is not compatible with views that deny or destroy that same freedom. Fundamentalism and radicalism do not belong in a free and democratic society because they restrict the freedom, free thought, and autonomy of citizens.

10. Without a god, norms and values are meaningless. Humanist: No

For a liberal humanist, it is human beings themselves who give meaning to norms and values, and who determine what is essential for living together in a good and humane way. Ethics is created by and for people and does not need a divine foundation to be valuable, meaningful, or authoritative.

Schedule and testing

Who/what has a central position in Humanism?

1. Apes
2. Humans
3. God
4. Atheism

Controversial Opinions

You will see some controversial opinions

Stand up if you agree

Stay seated if you disagree

Controversial Opinions

You will see some controversial opinions

Hold op a green card if you agree, a red one if you disagree

In doubt? Hold up both.

''Women should not be allowed to wear a hijab (headscarf) when they work as a police officer.''

 ''People should take their responsibility and have their children vaccinated.''

''If you know that you buy clothes that are made by children, you are responsible for maintaining child labor.''  

Humanism (take notes)

Humanism as a seperate philosophy/belief ()levensbeschouwing

Non -religious

Humane = menselijk

 (Latin: Humanus – human(menselijk)

Humanity menswaardigheid. How do you treat people in a good and fair way without taking off their humanity. 

Who is human? 

1. Man is a worthy being - every human has a right to exist
2. Man is an open being - humans have possibilities to make something from their life
3. Man is a free being - you can (and should be able to) choose freely
4. Man is a social being - you must develop yourself continually
5. Man is a reasonable being - You must think for yourself and about everything you encounter

Assignment

- Choose a store or a brand you often buy clothes from and find out whether or not these clothes have been produced responsibly. 

- Look at where it was produced (see label). What do you know about production in those countries? 

- Present your findings in a PP (1 or 2 slides only)

Which opinion belongs to which criteria?​

''Women should not be allowed to wear a hijab (headscarf) when they work as a police officer.’’​ (1)

''If you know that you buy clothes that are made by children, you are responsible for maintaining child labor.'' ​ (2)

''People should take their responsibility and have their children vaccinated.'' (4)​

Answers

Statement 1 = 1

Statement 2 = 4

Statement 4 = 3

Homework: make question 1-6 on page 3 and 4

Criteria for living​

1. You should treat every individual as equal. ​
2. Man should make something of life. ​
3. Man should take responsibility. ​
4. Man should release and set another free. ​
5. A man should use his mind. ​

           You should not blindly believe in what (political or spiritual) leaders say ​

           Resist any form of unreasonableness​

           Commit to upbringing and education

China Blue (page 5-6)

The film China Blue won the Amnesty Human Rights Award in 2006. The film tells about the girls Orchid (19) and Jasmine (17) who work in a Chinese jeans factory. For them, life is by no means a fairy tale. Due to the extensive overtime, they only rest for two to four hours at night. And that in a working week of 7 days. Clothespins on their eyes prevent them from falling asleep while working. Together with more than 130 million Chinese, the girls exchanged the countryside for the factory. With this they hope to help their poor families with money. Their salary is about 5 euro cents per hour. The aim of the film is to expose clothing produced inhumanely. 

Answer question 7-10 while watching

Minute 13

https://npo.nl/start/video/tegenlicht-china-blue_1