June 6: What is Goodness?

 I have been reading a new (to me) book I found by Christopher Phillips, the author of Socrates Café, among others.   His books were my inspiration for starting Big Questions in the 1990's and I have often recommended them to people who are new to BQ and are looking for background.  In them he describes his experiences with establishing discussion groups that he calls Socratic Dialogs with many diverse backgrounds and stages of life.  These include random coffee house gatherings, groups of prisoners with the meetings held in jails, school children in school classrooms, and many other venues with many other interested folks.  His goal has been to resurrect the open discussion format favored by Socrates and Plato based on questions and answers between people in what he called the dialectic method.  Socrates (and Phillips) would toss out a starting question, and attendees would answer them in some way that reflected their understanding of the question, and so on.  The thread of the discussion invariably wandered here and there, mostly on topic (when you write the book you can make it stay on topic, right?) with Phillips bringing in Socratic perspectives when appropriate.

The current book is called Soul of Goodness, and is about Phillips' relationship with his father, primarily, who died many years before the book was written but whose influence was profound, formative, and supportive, and continues to be a major part of his life and his life's purpose today.  Included in the story is the history of the Phillips family as they emigrated from Greece to the USA, with many stories concerning Phillips' memories of the lives and times of his relatives when he visited them in Greece growing up, and later as an adult.  Another central figure was his paternal grandmother who he calls his YaYa, and her encouragement to become what he most desired to become and not to let others dictate his path in life.  Throughout the narrative he develops the idea that his father, while flawed in so many ways, was at heart someone filled with goodness, acceptance, and love for everyone around him.  While it comes across as a bit of a rose-colored requiem in remembrance of his father, it is balanced enough to paint the father as a human being with the common flaws by which we are all afflicted.  

With this as a backdrop I thought What is Goodness might be an interesting topic to discuss as an extension of the recent topic, What is Good?  Goodness, being a more personal example of the more general Good, could focus on human attitudes and behaviors, the origins of our sense of self and our purposes, and especially our relationship with all those around us.  

• What does Goodness expect of us, if we have it as a key quality or virtue?  

• What constitutes a lack of Goodness in a person, how should we react to this lack, and what can be done about it?  

• If we examine our lives and find that Goodness is lacking in some aspect, what can and should we do to address this lack?  

• Are there degrees of Goodness that we should concentrate on?  

• Can goodness exist in personal isolation, or is it only expressed in relation to our feelings and actions concerning others?

It was Linus, from the Snoopy comic by Charles Schultz, who famously said, "I love mankind!  It's people I can't stand!"  Can Goodness exist in our abstract relationship to the broader world, but be hard to hold on to when we deal with individuals?  Phillips makes the point repeatedly that his biggest impact on the lives of others happens at a very personal level, one-on-one really, and he offers case studies that support his perspective.

To end this summary I offer this quote, "We are all here on earth to help others: what on earth the others are here for, I don't know," by W.H. Auden.  I might paraphrase this as, in the boat of life there are those that pull on the oars, and those that are just along for the ride.  Which are you, and how is Goodness related to our perspectives on contributing to our own lives, and to the lives of others?

May 16: Humanism as a Living Philosophy

Humanism is a perspective where each individual makes a pact with others who all work together to create a society that recognizes the basic requirements of life and honors the boundaries that we each need to live comfortably without the participation of any divine entity.  Attempts have been made to document this perspective in a way that people could support, and these documents have become a series of Humanist Manifests that attempt to identify the key elements of this ideal way to live in harmony and respect for all.  They are not long, and I recommend you take a few moments to read through them. 

http://emp.byui.edu/marrottr/Humanist%20Manifestos.pdf
Humanist Manifestos I and II

http://aha-files.s3.amazonaws.com/63/238/HumanismandItsAspirations.pdf
Humanist Manifesto III

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humanist_Manifesto
WikiPedia Reference to Humanism and the Humanist Manifesto

These documents are an attempt to describe a school of thought that supports a perspective devoid of divine involvement, and a rigorous reliance on the power of observation and experience (read: science) as a basis of daily living individually, and in community with others.  A definition of religion is hiding in there somewhere if the reader has the imagination to see it.  Over the decades since 1933 when the first manifesto was published many "scholars" and scientists have added their names to the list of signatories, indicating their support to the ideas and concepts laid out in the documents.

• What is humanism, and why does it have appeal in our current times?
• Is humanism an alternative to religions based on divine revelation?  Is there a conflict?  If yes, what is the conflict?
• Why would an independent thinker be attracted to humanism, over conventional religion?  Or religion over humanism?
• Can a Christian be a humanist?  A Buddhist?  If not, why not?  Can a humanist be a Christian?
• Many religions offer redemption and forgiveness of sins.  Humanism apparently does not. Is the reliance on individual responsibility for actions and consequences a key difference between humanism and doctrinal religion?

<Gemini: Note, bold emphasis is Gemini's alone.>

Humanism, as articulated in the manifestos you shared, is a philosophy and ethical stance that centers on human agency, reason, ethics, and justice. It emphasizes human values and potential, the importance of critical thinking and evidence-based decision-making (science), and the need for cooperation and mutual respect in building a thriving society. Humanists believe that ethical and moral principles can be established and followed without reliance on supernatural authority or divine intervention.

Humanism holds significant appeal in our current times for several reasons:

• Emphasis on Reason and Evidence: In an era marked by rapid scientific advancements and increasing access to information, the humanist focus on reason, logic, and empirical evidence resonates with those who seek grounded and verifiable explanations for the world around them.
• Focus on Human Potential and Agency: Humanism empowers individuals by emphasizing their capacity to understand the world, solve problems, and create positive change through their own efforts and collective action. This can be particularly appealing in a world facing complex challenges that require human ingenuity and collaboration.
• Ethical Framework Grounded in Human Experience: For many, a system of ethics derived from human needs, values, and the consequences of actions offers a compelling alternative to religiously based morality. It allows for flexibility and adaptation as human understanding evolves.
• Inclusivity and Tolerance: Humanism generally promotes inclusivity and respect for diverse perspectives, as long as those perspectives are consistent with reason and respect for the rights and well-being of others. This can be attractive in increasingly diverse and interconnected societies.

Regarding your question about humanism as an alternative to religions based on divine revelation, the answer is yes, humanism presents itself as an alternative. The fundamental difference lies in the source of authority and guidance. Religions based on divine revelation posit that ultimate truth and moral principles originate from a supernatural entity, often communicated through sacred texts, prophets, or traditions. Humanism, on the other hand, grounds its understanding of the world and its ethical framework in human reason, experience, and scientific inquiry.

Conflict exists primarily at this foundational level of authority. Religions often present their doctrines as absolute and divinely ordained, which can clash with the humanist emphasis on critical thinking, questioning, and the provisional nature of knowledge based on evidence. Areas of conflict can include beliefs about the origin of the universe, the nature of humanity, the afterlife, and the basis for moral decision-making.

An independent thinker might be attracted to humanism over conventional religion due to its emphasis on intellectual freedom and autonomy. Humanism encourages questioning, critical analysis, and the formation of beliefs based on evidence and reason, rather than accepting dogma or tradition without scrutiny. It appeals to those who prefer to construct their worldview and ethical framework through their own reasoning and engagement with the world.

Conversely, an independent thinker might be drawn to religion for various reasons. Some may find comfort and meaning in the narratives, rituals, and community offered by religion. Others might believe that divine revelation provides a more profound or comprehensive understanding of existence and morality than human reason alone can achieve. Some may also value the sense of belonging and shared identity that religious communities often provide.

The question of whether a Christian or a Buddhist can be a humanist is complex and depends on how strictly one defines each term.

• A Christian who adheres to core Christian doctrines, particularly the belief in Jesus Christ as the divine Son of God and the authority of the Bible as divinely inspired, would likely find fundamental conflicts with core tenets of humanism, especially the rejection of the supernatural and divine authority. However, some individuals may identify with certain humanistic values like compassion, social justice, and reason while still maintaining a belief in God, albeit perhaps in a more nuanced or less dogmatic way. They might see these values as aligned with, rather than contradictory to, their faith.

• A Buddhist, depending on the specific school of thought and their interpretation, might find more common ground with humanism. Buddhism emphasizes personal responsibility, ethical conduct, compassion, and the importance of reason and mindfulness in understanding reality. While some Buddhist traditions include cosmological elements that might be considered supernatural, the core ethical and philosophical teachings often align with humanistic values. A Buddhist who focuses on the practical, ethical, and psychological aspects of the teachings might find significant overlap with humanism.

• Can a humanist be a Christian? Generally, no, if the humanist adheres to the core tenets of humanism, particularly the rejection of belief in a supernatural God and divine authority. Accepting the divinity of Christ and the divine inspiration of the Bible would contradict these fundamental principles. However, as mentioned before, individuals might hold a more fluid or personal set of beliefs that blend aspects of both perspectives, though they might not be considered a strict adherent to either.

You are correct that many religions offer redemption and forgiveness of sins, often through divine grace or specific rituals. Humanism, in contrast, does not offer a similar concept of supernatural forgiveness. It emphasizes individual responsibility for actions and their consequences. Humanists believe that individuals are accountable for their behavior and that ethical living involves striving to repair harm caused and making amends within the human community. While humanism values compassion and understanding, it does not rely on a divine entity to absolve individuals of their wrongdoings.

This reliance on individual responsibility and the absence of a concept of divine forgiveness is indeed a key difference between humanism and many doctrinal religions. Humanism places the onus on individuals and society to establish ethical standards, address wrongdoing, and work towards a just and compassionate world through human effort and understanding.