Q I recently joined a packed congregation at a funeral conducted by a humanist who led us to give thanks for the full and interesting life of the dear departed.

I am 80 years of age but was impressed enough to refer to the reference books to see how I might learn about humanism. It is a broad subject and not easy to summarise as definitions differ. Can you give me a lead on its origins and history and the names of the prominent humanists to further my knowledge? - Tom Cockeram, Barwick in Elmet

Humanism gives prime importance to human beings and human values and is concerned with human feelings or needs rather than religious or supernatural matters. All men are seen as responsible and progressive beings, even if they do not follow religious doctrine. Since humanism often refers to value systems that are not spiritual it is often assumed that humanists are exclusively non-religious. However, many religions accept humanism and Christians like the 20th century Protestant Swiss theologian Karl Barch, claim humanism cannot exist without the Gospel. In fact, Christian aspects of humanity are often taken for granted as in Webster's Dictionary, where humanism is described as "a philosophy advocating the self-fulfilment of man within the framework of Christian principles."

As you have discovered, there are many interpretations of humanism and the answer to the question "What is humanism?" is determined by who is asked. Types of humanism include philosophical, Christian, religious, literary, Renaissance and cultural humanism. The modern interest and development of humanism is traced to the Renaissance period of the 14th century when Petrarch, the Italian poet, encouraged it. However it is misleading to attribute the development of humanism to one man as Petrarch was heavily influenced by classical humanities. Socrates and Aristotle can, for example, be described as humanists. Albert Einstein and Bertrand Russell also number among notable humanists but it is almost impossible to pick out individuals, since they cover so many different disciplines.

Published: 06/05/2002

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