Author
Home > Sociology > What is the Difference Between Humanism and Secularism?

Guilherme Mazui

•4 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between Humanism and Secularism?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

Humanism and secularism are related concepts, but they are not the same. Here are the key differences between the two:

  1. Focus: Humanism is a rationalist system of thought that gives primary importance to human matters, emphasizing the value and agency of human beings, and preferring rationalism and empiricism over superstition or dogma. Secularism, on the other hand, advocates that religion has no place in state affairs and that there should be a complete separation of religion from politics and other public affairs.
  2. Nature: Secular humanism is a comprehensive, non-religious lifestance incorporating a naturalistic philosophy, a cosmic outlook rooted in science, and a consequentialist ethical system. It is broader than atheism, as it addresses various aspects of life, including values, meaning, and identity. Secularism, in contrast, is more concerned with the institutional separation of religion and state, and the protection of the freedom to believe, worship, and express religious commitments, as well as the freedom not to believe, worship, or express religious commitments.

In summary, humanism is an ethical and philosophical approach that emphasizes the value of human beings and their capacity for rational thought, while secularism is a political and social principle advocating for the separation of religion from public affairs and the state. Both concepts share a rejection of religious dogma and a commitment to a non-theistic approach to life, but they differ in their focus and nature.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Humanism and Secularism?
  • Comparative Table: Humanism vs Secularism

    • Comparative Table: Humanism vs Secularism

    Here is a table that highlights the differences between humanism and secularism:

    Feature Humanism Secularism
    Definition Humanism refers to a rationalist system of thought that attaches primary importance to human matters, emphasizing the value and agency of human beings, and preferring rationalism and empiricism over superstition or dogma. Secularism is defined as the "indifference to, or rejection or exclusion of, religion and religious considerations".
    Focus Humanism focuses on the value and agency of human beings, promoting rationalism and empiricism in understanding the world. Secularism focuses on the exclusion or rejection of religion from various aspects of life and society.
    Ethics and Morality Humanism posits that human beings are capable of being ethical and moral without religion or belief in a deity. Secularism does not specifically address ethics and morality but rather advocates for a non-theistic approach to life.
    Relationship with Religion Humanism is closely related to secularism, as both advocate a non-theistic approach to life and use science instead of religious dogma to understand the world. However, humanism is more focused on promoting human values and rationalism, while secularism is focused on the exclusion or rejection of religion. Secularism seeks to exclude or reject religion and religious considerations from various aspects of life and society.

    In summary, humanism is an ethical and democratic approach that emphasizes the value and agency of human beings, while secularism is a broader concept that focuses on the exclusion or rejection of religion from various aspects of life and society. Both concepts advocate a non-theistic approach to life, but they have different focuses and implications.

    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.