humanism Definition
- 1a system of thought that focuses on humans and their values, capacities, and worth
- 2a Renaissance cultural movement that turned away from medieval scholasticism and revived interest in ancient Greek and Roman thought
Using humanism: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "humanism" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Humanism emphasizes the importance of individual freedom and rational thinking.
Example
The Renaissance was a period of great humanism, with artists and scholars focusing on human potential and achievement.
Example
Many modern ethical theories are based on humanism.
humanism Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for humanism
Antonyms for humanism
- misology
- anti-humanism
Phrases with humanism
a philosophy that emphasizes human reason, ethics, and justice, rather than religious dogma or supernatural beliefs
Example
Secular humanism is often associated with atheism and agnosticism.
a philosophy that combines Christian beliefs with humanist principles, emphasizing the dignity and worth of every individual
Example
Erasmus was a prominent figure in Christian humanism.
a cultural and intellectual movement during the Renaissance that focused on the study of classical literature and human values
Example
Petrarch was one of the pioneers of Renaissance humanism.
Origins of humanism
from Latin 'humanus', meaning 'human'
Summary: humanism in Brief
Humanism [hyoo-muh-niz-uhm or, often, yoo-] is a system of thought that emphasizes human values, capacities, and worth. It can refer to a Renaissance cultural movement that revived interest in ancient Greek and Roman thought. Examples of humanism include individual freedom, rational thinking, and modern ethical theories. Humanism can also be divided into subcategories such as secular humanism, Christian humanism, and Renaissance humanism.
