AMSTERDAM DECLARATION 2002

 

The following Declaration was adopted at the World Humanist Congress in The

Netherlands in 2002.

 

Humanism is the outcome of a long tradition of free thought that has

inspired many of the world's great thinkers and creative artists and gave

rise to science itself.

 

The fundamentals of modem Humanism are as follows-

1. Humanism is ethical. It affirms the worth, dignity and autonomy of the

individual and the right of every human being to the greatest possible

freedom compatible with the rights of others. Humanists have a duty of care

to all of humanity including future generations. Humanists believe that

morality is an intrinsic part of human nature based on understanding and a

concern for others, needing no external sanction.

2. Humanism is rational. It seeks to use science creatively, not

destructively. Humanists believe that the solutions to the world's problems

lie in human thought and action rather than divine intervention. Humanism

advocates the application of the methods of science and free inquiry to the

problems of human welfare. But Humanists also believe that the application

of science and technology must be tempered by human values. Science gives us

the means but human values must propose the ends.

3. Humanism supports democracy and human rights. Humanism aims at the

fullest possible development of every human being. It holds that democracy

and human development are matters of right. The principles of democracy and

human rights can be applied to many human relationships and are not

restricted to methods of government.

4. Humanism insists that personal liberty must be combined with social

responsibility. Humanism ventures to build a world on the idea of the free

person responsible to society, and recognizes our dependence on and

responsibility for the natural world. Humanism is un-dogmatic, imposing no

creed upon its adherents. It is thus committed to education free from

indoctrination.

5. Humanism is a response to the widespread demand for an alternative to

dogmatic religion. The world's major religions claim to be based on

revelations fixed for all time, and many seek to impose their world-views on

all of humanity. Humanism recognizes that reliable knowledge of the world

and ourselves arises through a continuing process of observation, evaluation

and revision.

 

6. Humanism values artistic creativity and imagination and recognizes the

transforming power of art. Humanism affirms the importance of literature,

music, and the visual and performing arts for personal development and

fulfilment.

7. Humanism is a life-stance aiming at the maximum possible fulfilment

through the cultivation of ethical and creative living and offers an ethical

and rational means of addressing the challenges of our times. Humanism can

be a way of life for everyone everywhere.

 

Our primary task is to make human beings aware in the simplest terms of what

Humanism can mean to them and what it commits them to. By utilizing free

inquiry, the power of science and creative imagination for the furtherance

of peace and in the service of compassion, we have confidence that we have

the means to solve the problems that confront us all. We call upon all who

share this conviction to associate themselves with us in this endeavour.

 

(IHEU Congress 2002)