There’s a number of useful links and resources that you can check out on the topic of secularism, humanism and philosophy, including:

Charles Taylor on Secularism

Secularisation and the “Rise” of Atheism by Neil Ormerod

Jurgen Habermass on Secularism’s Crisis of Faith

UNESCO Courier on Humanism

A Short Course on Humanism by the British Humanists Association

The Philosophy of Humanism by Corliss Lamont (Book)

Humanism for Schools — What Is Humanism?

 

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The humanist approach towards life involves the promotion and support of human reason, ethical behaviour and social justice. In the spirit of encouraging the flourishing of humanity, focusing on what can be done for life as it lived and promoting an improvement for those who will follow. Humanism is incorporated in many different religions, yet it’s also considered a philosophical approach to life that could be considered outside of religious faith.

The traditions of humanism can be traced to early philosophical thought that promoted the value of self-worth and human endeavours; Sir Thomas More, Sir Francis Bacon are example of early humanists in Philosophy, which has since developed to writers and thinkers such as Bertrand Russell, Isaac Asimov and Carl Sagan.

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Secularism as practiced in current discourse involves the separation of the power of church and politics, or ‘church and state’. The history of the term secular has developed since the 17th century, stemming from the Latin word for ‘generation’ or ‘age’, which referred to the lay clergy. The level of religious influence on sectors such as education, social welfare, law and media can be significant. 

While there’s varying degrees of influence that could occur, the practice of secularism encourages an awareness of how this potentially disadvantages populations outside of the dominant religious faiths. Naturally varieties of secularism could exist within a nation, but the essential goal of recognising that there’s many different faiths and no faith that exist, which could be discouraged from taking part in welfare and governance if there was too much religious interference. 

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The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) group

was announced as the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize winner in Oslo on Friday.

The group began in Melbourne ten years ago and was recognised as

drawing attention to the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of any

use of nuclear weapons and for its groundbreaking efforts to achieve a

treaty-based prohibition on such weapons.

Member of the Board of ICAN in Australia and the President of Medical Practitioners

Against War, Dr Margaret Beavis joined me on RTRFM.

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Today’s episode is the revision on argument structure from the past week — you can support the 365DaysOfPhilosophy podcast by visiting www.patreon.com/kyliesturgess and review previous episodes at www.365daysofphilosophy.com.

If you can help the show continue, head to: https://www.patreon.com/kyliesturgess

Music from Jukedeck — create your own at http://jukedeck.com.

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Map the strongest possible argument that uses all (and only) the following statements. Use a diagram to represent the argument you construct. Is there a fallacy involved?

The destruction of the building resulted from the cyclone. This is demonstrated by the fact that the cyclone happened several days before the building was destroyed.

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Map the strongest possible argument that uses all (and only) the following statements. Use a diagram to represent the argument you construct.

(1) Erica is shorter than Albertina, (since)

(2) Albertina is taller than Sarah, and

(3) Erica is shorter than Sarah.

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Map the strongest possible argument that uses all (and only) the following statements. Use a diagram to represent the argument you construct.

(1) The accepted scientific explanation for the origins of life is the theory of evolution (therefore) 

(2) No alternative theory involving religion such as creationism is acceptable. 

(3) The Poogly religion supports creationism as a reasonable explanation for the origins of life, therefore it follows that

(4) The Poogly religion is not a scientific-based religion.

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Map the strongest possible argument that uses all (and only) the following statements. Use a diagram to represent the argument you construct. 

Philosophy makes us fit for thinking.

Philosophy is to the mind what swimming is for the body.

Physical activity is what the body does, while thinking is what the mind does.

Swimming makes us fit for physical activity.

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Map the strongest possible argument that uses all (and only) the following statements. Use a diagram to represent the argument you construct. How convincing is the argument and why?

Therefore, Joe will vote in the federal election.

Joe was born in Australia to Australian parents.

Joe is an Australian citizen.

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