Word

humanism

noun C1

UK /ˈhjuːmənɪz(ə)m/

US /ˈhjumənɪz(ə)m/

Meanings

noun

a worldview that emphasizes human dignity, reason, and ethical responsibility, focusing on improving human life

noun

a cultural and educational movement that values classical literature, history, and the arts as central to learning about human experience

humanism: a cultural and educational movement that values classical literature, history, and the arts as central to learning…

Definition

Humanism is a worldview that emphasizes human dignity, reason, and ethical responsibility.

Humanism is a set of ideas that puts human values and human welfare at the center of thinking and decision-making. It often stresses reason, evidence, and critical inquiry rather than authority or superstition. In culture and education, it also refers to a tradition that highlights the importance of literature, history, and the arts for understanding what it means to be human.

Examples

In his keynote, he linked humanism to public education and the need for critical thinking.
She argued that humanism can guide research ethics without relying on dogma.
They saw humanism in the novel’s compassion for flawed characters and ordinary struggles.
I was drawn to humanism because it frames responsibility as something we owe to each other.

Common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse humanism with humanitarianism, but humanism is a philosophy or cultural tradition, not simply charitable aid.