Comparison of Two Philosophies

Branches of Philosophy Being Compared

Philosophies Being Compared

1. Secular Humanism
2. Objectivism (Another Philosophy of Reason)

Existence

1. Naturalistic metaphysics or attitude toward the universe that considers all forms of the supernatural as myth, and that regards Nature as the totality of being and as a constantly changing system of matter and energy which exists independently of any mind or consciousness [2].

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2. “Reality, the external world, exists independent of ... consciousness, independent of any observer’s knowledge, beliefs, feelings, desires or fears. ...things are what they are — and ... the task of [our] consciousness is to perceive reality, not to create or invent it.” We reject any belief in the supernatural — and any claim that individuals or groups create their own reality [4].

Knowledge

1. All dogmas, ideologies and traditions...must be weighed and tested by each individual and not simply accepted on faith [1].  A constant search for objective truth, with the understanding that new knowledge and experience constantly alter our imperfect perception of it [1]. Humanism, in accordance with the scientific method, believes in the unending questioning of basic assumptions and conviction, including its own...open to experimental testing, newly discovered facts, and more rigorous reasoning [2].

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2. “...reason is fully competent to know the facts of reality. Reason, the conceptual faculty, is the faculty that identifies and integrates the material provided by [the] senses. Reason is [our] only means of acquiring knowledge.” We reject mysticism (any acceptance of faith or feeling as a means of knowledge) and hold that reason is the only absolute [4].

Being

1. [We are] an evolutionary product [and part] of ...Nature...our minds are indivisibly conjoined with the functioning of our brain. [We] have no conscious survival after death [2]. [Rejects] all theories of universal predestination, determinism, or fatalism... Human beings, while conditioned by the past, possess genuine freedom of creative choice and action, and are, within certain objective limits, the masters of their own destiny [2].

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2. We are rational beings. Reason, is our only means of knowledge, our basic means of survival. But the exercise of reason depends on each individual’s choice. We are beings of "volitional consciousness.” “That which you call your soul or spirit is your consciousness, and that which you call ‘free will’ is your mind’s freedom to think or not, the only will you have, your only freedom. This is the choice that controls all the choices you make and determines your life and character.” We reject any form of determinism, the belief that we have no free will and are controlled by forces beyond our control (such as God, fate, upbringing, genes, or economic conditions) [4].

Ethics

1. 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 [1]. A primary concern with fulfillment, growth, and creativity for both the individual and humankind in general [1]. A concern for this life and a commitment to making it meaningful through better understanding [of humanity] [1].  Faith in [humankinds] power...of solving their own problems, through...reason and scientific method applied with courage and vision [2]. All human values [are grounded] in this-earthly experiences and relationships. Holds as its highest goal the this-worldly happiness, freedom, and progress...of all humankind...[2]. The individual attains the good life by harmoniously combining personal satisfactions and continuous self-development with significant work and other activities that contribute to the welfare of the community [2].

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2. “Reason is [our] only proper judge of values and [our] only proper guide to action. The proper standard of ethics is: [human] survival qua [human] — i.e., that which is required by [our] nature for [our] survival as a rational being (not [our] momentary physical survival as a mindless brute). Rationality is [our] basic virtue, and [our] three fundamental values are: reason, purpose, self-esteem. [A person] — every [person] — is an end in [their self], not a means to the ends of others; [they] must live for [their] own sake, neither sacrificing [their self] to others nor sacrificing others to [their self]; [they] must work for [their] rational self-interest, with the achievement of [their] own happiness as the highest moral purpose of [their] life.” We reject the claim that morality consists in living for God, society, or another person. Human is heroic being, with own happiness as the moral purpose of life, with productive achievement as the noblest activity [4].

Politics

1. Principles of ethical conduct [judged] on their ability to enhance human well-being and individual responsibility [1]. 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 [1]. Democracy, peace, and a high standard of living on the foundations of a flourishing economic order...[2]. Complete social implementation of reason and scientific method; ...democratic procedures...freedom of expression and civil liberties, throughout all areas of economic, political, and cultural life [2]. Democratic. It aims at the fullest possible development of every human being [3]. The dignity of man and the right of the individual to the greatest possible freedom of development compatible with the rights of others [3]. Personal liberty is an end that must be combined with social responsibility in order that it shall not be sacrificed to the improvement of material conditions [3].

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2. “... no [one] has the right to seek values from others by means of physical force — i.e., no [person] or group has the right to initiate the use of physical force against others. [We] have the right to use force only in self-defense and only against those who initiate its use. [We] must deal with one another as traders, giving value for value, by free, mutual consent to mutual benefit. The only social system that bars physical force from human relationships is a system based on the recognition of individual rights, including property rights, in which the only function of the government is to protect individual rights, i.e., to protect [us] from those who initiate the use of physical force.” We reject any form of totalitarianism or collectivism, such as fascism or socialism, in any degree [4]. Autonomous individualism: "All individuals have the right to exercise sole dominion, [are sovereign], over their own lives, and have the right to live in whatever manner they choose, so long as they do not forcibly interfere with the equal right of others to live in whatever manner they choose [5]." Reject the idea that a diety, state, or person has dominon over our lives and dictates the manner in which we live and the plan for our future.