Difference Between Humanism and Secularism

Thekey differencebetween humanism and secularism is that人文主义是指合理主义的思想体系，其主要重要性与人类而不是神或超自然事物有关secularism refers to the principle of separation of the state from religious institutions.

人文主义和世俗主义表明对religion. However, these two concepts are not the same. There is a distinct difference between humanism and secularism as they have a different focus.

CONTENTS

1.Overview and Key Difference
2.What is Humanism
3.What is Secularism
4.Side by Side Comparison – Humanism vs Secularism in Tabular Form
5.概括

What is Humanism?

基本上,人文主义是一组关于体育的想法ople should act or live. Let’s look at some definitions of humanism in order to understand this concept better.

• A rationalist outlook or system of thought attaching prime importance to human rather than divine or supernatural matters (Oxford dictionary)
• Humanism is a progressive philosophy of life that, withouttheismor other supernatural beliefs, affirms our ability and responsibility to lead ethical lives of personal fulfilment that aspire to the greater good. (American Humanist Association)

As seen from the above definitions, humanism is an ethical and democratic approach that affirms it’s the human beings that have the right and responsibility to shape their own lives. Moreover, it emphasizes the value and agency of human beings, preferringrationalism and empiricismover the acceptance of superstition or dogma.

In contemporary society, humanism is closely related to secularism as both advocate a non-theistic approach to life, using science instead of religious dogma in order to understand the world.

What is Secularism?

Secularism can be defined as the “indifference to, or rejection or exclusion of, religion and religious considerations” (Merriam-Webster dictionary). In politics, secularism refers to the separation of the state from the religion. Therefore, secularism makes sure that religious groups do not interfere in affairs of state, and vice versa. Moreover, secularism allows people the freedom to practice one’s faith or belief and provides equality to all as religious beliefs or lack of them don’t put any of the citizens at an advantage or disadvantage.

Some countries such as Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Iran have a state religion and are not secular countries. In contrast, countries such as the United States, China, France and India are not secular countries.

What is the Difference Humanism and Secularism?

人文主义是指一个理性的思想体系，其主要重要性对人类事务而不是神圣或超自然的事物，而世俗主义是指国家与宗教机构分离的原则。因此，这是人文主义与世俗主义之间的关键区别。

Another difference between humanism and secularism is their focus. While humanism emphasizes the value and agency of human beings and prefers rationalism and empiricism over the acceptance of superstition or dogma, secularism advocates that religion has no place in state affairs and that there should be a complete separation between religion and state matters.

概括– Humanism vs Secularism

人文主义和世俗主义都表明对宗教的排斥或拒绝。人文主义和世俗主义之间的关键区别在于，人文主义是指合理主义的思想体系，其主要重要性是人类而不是神或超自然事物，而世俗主义是指国家与宗教机构分离的原则。

Reference:

1.“Definition of Humanism.” American Humanist Association.Available here
2.Cross, Dave. “Atheism, Humanism and Secularism.” Davblog, 11 Feb. 2012.Available here
3.“What Is Secularism?” National Secular Society.Available here

Image Courtesy:

1.”24623817213″ bySilly Deity（公共领域）通过Flickr
2.”La séparation” By Unknown – achat chez un bouquiniste de Bourges, (Public Domain) viaCommons Wikimedia