Humanism

Humanism has a rich and varied history, but in modern times those that describe themselves as humanist can be understood to share the core values that were agreed upon in the Declaration of Modern Humanism.

 

The declaration was ratified in 2022 and is an updated version of the original declaration of the fundamental principles of modern humanism initially agreed at the first general assembly of Humanists International in the Netherlands in 1952, and first updated in the 2002 Amsterdam Declaration.

The declaration asserts that:

 

• Humanists strive to be ethical

• Humanists strive to be rational

• Humanists strive for fulfilment in their lives

• Humanism meets the widespread demand for a source of meaning and purpose to stand as an alternative to dogmatic religion, authoritarian nationalism, tribal sectarianism, and selfish nihilism. 

 

Humanist Society Scotland

Humanist Society Scotland is the voice of humanism in Scotland. The society represent Scots with a non-religious humanist view of life and has campaigned for a secular society and on human rights issues since 1989. Its mission is to help to create a Scotland (and world) that reflects and respects its predominantly non-religious population and is built on respect for human rights and individual autonomy. The Humanist Society Scotland is also Scotland’s original and most trusted provider of humanist wedding, funeral, and naming ceremonies.