Introduction to humanism by Finngeir Hiorth. Lima: Association for the PERUVIAN JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHILOSOPHY´s Publications (Study Series), 1998.

Present Humanism sometimes is clearly atheistic or agnostic, is virtually atheistic since it assumes that man is independent and this life is everything. Before denying it ignores God. Some humanists, who seem to be very secular, defend a class of religious humanism. In such case it is not very different from the secular one. Humanism would be a class of religion for them.

Humanism tends to emphasize the importance of pleasure and notices against ascetical or  monastic life. It particularly emphasizes the human rights of the individual, the right to freedom. Of general way it involves humanity: amiability, tenderness, compassion, and affection for men and animals, specially for which they are troubled or they suffer. Commonly humanists do not give any prescription to handle to crime or the immoral conduct. Luckyly always there have been humanists who have had one more a more practical attitude towards social problems. Humanism emphasizes much the parliamentary democracy, equality and solidarity. Equality is taken frequently more seriously than solidarity. To a certain extent this is due to the fact that the limits and obligations of solidarity are not very clear. But the increase of the philantropic humanism indicates that many humanists have solidarity with the poor, they suffer and grieve more and more seriously themselves. Humanists divide themselves in relation to the economic problems of their countries. Some create in Socialism, while others create in Capitalism. Others create again in a combination of both.

In general, humanists are not very favorable to the abstract thought. Their vision of the world can be limited and tend to leave many questions open. Humanists frequently have a negative vision of metaphysics. They have, very commonly, a positive attitude towards the non metaphysical  aspects of philosophy which is the natural ally in the processing of arguments in favor of  secular humanism. Humanists are to favor in their attitude towards sciences, but in processing a consistent vision of life,  philosophy can be of more aid than sciences. Humanism can be characterized like a vision of life with strong moral elements. Both an open and a society mind are essential. A humanist person is permisive and tolerant, little arranged to make a problem by discords. Because it  is not scared of pleasure is not a puritane, but inclined to being gentile, generous and affective, until the indulgence. Rather he would make love than war. Humanist is comprehensive and compasive.

(From Chapter 10: Humanism and Contemporary Philosophy)
 

Other books by Finngeir Hiorth published by  Association for the PERUVIAN JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHILOSOPHY´s Publications  and/or Peruvian Publications of Applied Philosophy (All translations from English into Spanish):

-Introduction to Atheism
-Ethics for atheists
-Values
-Studying Religion
-Big Bang or no Bang? Science, Religion & Philosophy

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