The key difference between humanism and secularism is that humanism refers to a rationalist system of thought that attaches primary importance to human instead of divine or supernatural matters whereas secularism refers to the principle of separation of the state from religious institutions.
Both humanism and secularism indicate an exclusion or rejection of religion. However, these two concepts are not the same. There is a distinct difference between humanism and secularism as they have a different focus.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Humanism
3. What is Secularism
4. Side by Side Comparison – Humanism vs Secularism in Tabular Form
5. Summary
What is Humanism?
Basically, humanism is a set of ideas about how people should act or live. Let’s look at some definitions of humanism in order to understand this concept better.
- A rationalist outlook or system of thought attaching prime importance to human rather than divine or supernatural matters (Oxford dictionary)
- Humanism is a progressive philosophy of life that, without theism or other supernatural beliefs, affirms our ability and responsibility to lead ethical lives of personal fulfilment that aspire to the greater good. (American Humanist Association)
As seen from the above definitions, humanism is an ethical and democratic approach that affirms it’s the human beings that have the right and responsibility to shape their own lives. Moreover, it emphasizes the value and agency of human beings, preferring rationalism and empiricism over the acceptance of superstition or dogma.
In contemporary society, humanism is closely related to secularism as both advocate a non-theistic approach to life, using science instead of religious dogma in order to understand the world.
What is Secularism?
Secularism can be defined as the “indifference to, or rejection or exclusion of, religion and religious considerations” (Merriam-Webster dictionary). In politics, secularism refers to the separation of the state from the religion. Therefore, secularism makes sure that religious groups do not interfere in affairs of state, and vice versa. Moreover, secularism allows people the freedom to practice one’s faith or belief and provides equality to all as religious beliefs or lack of them don’t put any of the citizens at an advantage or disadvantage.
Figure 02: Allegory of the French Law of Separation of Church and State
Some countries such as Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Iran have a state religion and are not secular countries. In contrast, countries such as the United States, China, France and India are not secular countries.
What is the Difference Humanism and Secularism?
Humanism refers to a rationalist system of thought that gives primary importance to human matters instead of divine or supernatural matters whereas secularism refers to the principle of separation of the state from religious institutions. Therefore, this is the key difference between humanism and secularism.
Another difference between humanism and secularism is their focus. While humanism emphasizes the value and agency of human beings and prefers rationalism and empiricism over the acceptance of superstition or dogma, secularism advocates that religion has no place in state affairs and that there should be a complete separation between religion and state matters.
Summary – Humanism vs Secularism
Both humanism and secularism indicate an exclusion or rejection of religion. The key difference between humanism and secularism is that humanism refers to a rationalist system of thought that attaches primary importance to human instead of divine or supernatural matters whereas secularism refers to the principle of separation of the state from religious institutions.
Reference:
1.“Definition of Humanism.” American Humanist Association. Available here
2.Cross, Dave. “Atheism, Humanism and Secularism.” Davblog, 11 Feb. 2012. Available here
3.“What Is Secularism?” National Secular Society. Available here
Image Courtesy:
1.”24623817213″ by Silly Deity (Public Domain) via Flickr
2.”La séparation” By Unknown – achat chez un bouquiniste de Bourges, (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia