Secular Humanism and Humanity: What are they?

[Jenny A]

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[quote='Jenny A' pid='897294' dateline='1426207618']You might take a moment to read the Wikipedia entry. Notice that what humanism means has changed over time and that there is such a thing a theistic humanism. You might also read the entry on Secular Humanism

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I really appreciate your suggestions, but I am more interested in how regular individuals (even though I am sure most of you are much more that "regular") understand their own worldviews (e.g. secular humanism). Of course I could read about it in books and articles, but I much prefer hearing about it from people in their own words.

I will speak slowly, for the hard of reading. I . . . am . . . not . . . a . . . secular . . . humanist. My world view just doesn't happen to include god as anything other than a cultural phenomenon.

If what you really want to know is how my definition of human differs from most theists I know, the answer is really very simple: their definition includes a soul and mine does not.

That really isn't what I wanted to know. I just wanted to know more about what your definition of human is. If someone asked you what it "meant" to be human, what would you tell them? You already gave a great start to an answer in your original reply. I am trying to respond to everyone on their own terms.

I think you are making a mountain out of a mole hill. Most people don't have a good definition of human beyond we know one when we see one. We do differ somewhat from other animals, but really, with the possible exception of language it's only a matter of degree.

Like all species, we are special to ourselves. That "great start" is all the difference between humans and other species I have to offer. But consider this, do you think there is another species that ponders the question what is it to be us? That would be self awareness. So would knowledge of death.

So, how do you define human? Seriously. It's a question that anyone asking should be expected to have an answer to.