Question
What is liberal humanism?
Answer
Liberal humanism is a philosophical approach that emphasizes individual rights, freedom, and the inherent dignity of human beings. It is rooted in classical humanist thinking and is often associated with the principles of liberalism, which advocate for individualism and respect for personal rights.
Key Aspects of Liberal Humanism
Individual Rights and Ethics: Liberal humanism is grounded in the belief that individuals should respect the legitimate rights of others, including their body, mind, and property. It supports individualism rather than selfishness, advocating for voluntary resource distribution rather than coercive redistribution policies (Salin, 2021).
Historical and Philosophical Roots: Classical liberalism and modern libertarianism are seen as products of classical humanist thinking. Enlightenment humanism, which replaced theological dogma with science and secular reason, is also a significant influence (Montanye, 2020).
Human Dignity and Freedom: Humanism places the human being at the centre of the universe, emphasizing human dignity and freedom. It emerged as a reaction against medieval views of divine omnipotence, promoting a secular understanding of human existence (Knezevic, 2023).
Critiques and Challenges: Liberal humanism has faced criticism for being too focused on economic progress and for potentially neglecting the spiritual dimensions of human life. Critics argue that it creates a “single-plane” being by separating the citizen from the integral personality (Knezevic, 2023).
Contemporary Relevance: Despite criticisms, liberal humanism remains a vital framework for addressing social issues, advocating for human rights, and promoting ethical governance. It continues to evolve, incorporating diverse cultural perspectives and addressing modern challenges (Ingold, 2024; Rošker, 2024).
Liberal humanism is a philosophical tradition that champions individual rights, freedom, and human dignity. It is deeply rooted in classical humanist and Enlightenment thought, advocating for a society that respects personal rights and ethical governance. Despite facing critiques, it remains a significant influence in contemporary discussions on human rights and social justice.
References
Salin, P., 2021. Liberalism, the Only True Humanism. Emerging Markets. https://doi.org/10.5772/INTECHOPEN.93235
Montanye, J., 2020. Humanism: Progressive Philosophy at Odds with Itself. Journal of Libertarian Studies, 24, pp. 42-72.
Knezevic, R., 2023. Social freedom and dignity of the human person according to Nikolai Berdyaev. Filozofija i drustvo. https://doi.org/10.2298/fid2304670k
Ingold, T., 2024. For a new humanism. Anthropology Today. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8322.12910
Rošker, J., 2024. Sublating Humanism. Asian Studies. https://doi.org/10.4312/as.2024.12.3.211-227
