A conviction that dogmas, ideologies and traditions, whether religious, political or social, must be weighed and tested by each individual and not simply accepted on faith.
Commitment to the use of critical reason, factual evidence, and scientific methods of inquiry, rather than faith and mysticism, in seeking solutions to human problems and answers to important human questions.
A primary concern with fulfillment, growth, and creativity for both the individual and humankind in general.
A constant search for objective truth, with the understanding that new knowledge and experience constantly alter our imperfect perception of it.
A concern for this life and a commitment to making it meaningful through better understanding of ourselves, our history, our intellectual and artistic achievements, and the outlooks of those who differ from us.
A search for viable individual, social and political principles of ethical conduct, judging them on their ability to enhance human well-being and individual responsibility.
A conviction that with reason, an open marketplace of ideas, good will, and tolerance, progress can be made in building a better world for ourselves and our children.
2 comments:
So to summarize:
If it feels good, do it?
_______________
The trouble with the line of reasoning put forth from their website is that ANYTHING could be substantiated.
Hitler had any number of proofs that the Jews were responsible for all kinds of problems in the world. It seems that a very large majority of his compatriots felt the same way, so it was a majority decision.
During the 30s, Germany thrived under Hitler's regime. There was plenty of fulfillment, growth, and creativity throughout the Reich.
People over and over throughout the Reich saw that the Aryan race was superior, that their way of government was the best, and that only through approaching life through the National Socialist way of thinking could anyone gain an understanding of the world and grow towards perfecting it.
Human well-being, life, and ethical conduct were, by their very nature, approaching that perfection through National Socialism. They were building a better world.
Unfortunately, the intolerant Allies disturbed their plan and they were not able to achieve it fully.
Sound crazy? When there are no absolute truths, then all opinions are equal. No one has the right to call anything else bad or good, right or wrong, productive or destructive, because it's all in the minds of those who are defining it.
Under this type of thinking, Hitler could never have been condemned.
"A conviction that dogmas, ideologies and traditions, whether religious, political or social, must be weighed and tested by each individual and not simply accepted on faith."
This conviction has to be accepted on faith though...
"A conviction that with reason, an open marketplace of ideas, good will, and tolerance, progress can be made in building a better world for ourselves and our children."
Except that they don't tolerate people who does not accept this conviction.
Secular Humanism is oxymoron.
Post a Comment