Classical humanism (or Renaissance humanism) is a movement in which man, by studying ancient literature, sought to improve his nature. This is the origin of humanism as a movement, a system of beliefs and a direction of human thought. Classical humanism created a whole revolution in philosophy, enlightenment and worldview of contemporaries.
Humanism as a philosophy is a worldview and way of life based on naturalism (the belief that the universe/nature is everything that exists, that is real). It is a rational philosophy, inspired by art, motivated by compassion, and informed by science.
Humanistic - imbued with the spirit of humanism; for example: humanistic attitude towards people, humanistic ideas.
Synonyms for the word humanism: philanthropy, humanity, humanity.
What is humanism and humanity?
This concept comes from a Latin word that translates as “humane.” A humanist is a person who highlights the values of the human person. The point is to recognize the human right to freedom, development, love, happiness and so on. In addition, this also includes the denial of any violence towards living beings. The concept of humanism indicates that the basis of a worldview lies in a person’s ability to sympathize and help other people. It is important to note that the manifestation of humanity should not go against the interests of the individual.
Humanism in philosophy
This concept is used in various fields, including philosophy, where it is presented as a conscious focus on humanity without borders. There are a number of characteristics that help to understand the meaning of humanism:
- For every person, other people should be the highest value, and they should be a priority over material, spiritual, social and natural benefits.
- In philosophy, humanism is a position that describes that a person is valuable in himself, regardless of social status, gender, nationality and other differences.
- One of the dogmas of humanism says that if you think well about people, they will certainly become better.
Humanism
1.5. It is also necessary to dwell in more detail on Marxist (socialist) humanism.
According to Marxist theory, humanism is a worldview that recognizes the highest value of man, his dignity, goodness, and free harmonious development. Humanistic ideas as a system of views originated in the 14th – 15th centuries, gaining significant distribution and development during the Renaissance and bourgeois revolutions of the 17th – early 19th centuries in the “struggle of progressive forces against feudal class oppression and the spiritual dictatorship of the church.”
In Marxist theory, the so-called proletarian
,
socialist humanism
, which is said to represent "a qualitatively new leap in the development of humanism", the result of a "critical reworking of the humanistic ideas of the past."
The peculiarity of socialist humanism lies in its partisanship, class (initially, proletarian) character, highlighting the interests of the working masses, which are opposed to the interests of the “oppressors” and, ultimately, “bourgeois pseudo-humanism with anti-communist content.”
As stated in Marxist theory, the measure of the humanity of human actions is the extent to which they, in practice, contribute to solving urgent problems of social progress, “the liberation of the working individual,” and the creation of a socialist and communist society.
Distinctive features of Marxist humanism:
assertion of the “inextricability of connections between individuals and the collective, society”, the unacceptability of “individualism and egoism”;
proclamation of “proletarian, socialist internationalism” in opposition to “nationalism, racism, chauvinism, all manifestations of misanthropy and obscurantism”;
recognition of human labor as the highest value of life, concern for its comprehensive development, for the creation of a “happy life, filled with deep meaning and joyful creativity”;
“optimism, faith in the strength of man, in his ability to do good, to remake the world according to the laws of justice and beauty.”
According to Marxist theory, only the construction of a communist society is capable of solving such great humanistic tasks as the liberation of workers from capitalist exploitation, political oppression, national enslavement, the elimination of want and unemployment of the broad masses, the elimination of the opposition between mental and physical labor, between city and countryside, the eradication lack of rights for women, liberation of the masses from spiritual enslavement.
Humanity and humanism - the difference
Many people often confuse these concepts, but in fact, they have both common and distinctive features. Humanism and humanity are two inseparable concepts that imply the protection of individual rights to freedom and happiness. As for humanity, this is a certain human trait that manifests itself in a positive attitude towards other people. It is formed as a result of a conscious and stable understanding of what is good and what is bad. Humanity and humanism are interrelated concepts, since the first is formed by imitation of the principles of the second.
Personality
The humanistic approach to man and personality psychology described in the mentioned theory has been deeply analyzed by scientific psychologists. Of course, it cannot be said that this area has been completely explored, but significant theoretical research has been done in it.
This direction of psychology arose as a kind of alternative concept to the current that fully or partially identifies human psychology and animal behavior. Personality theory, considered from the point of view of humanistic traditions, is classified as psychodynamic (at the same time, interactionist). This is not an experimental branch of psychology, which has a structural-dynamic organization and covers the entire period of a person’s life. She describes him as a person, using terms of internal properties and characteristics, as well as behavioral terms.
Proponents of the theory that considers personality in a humanistic approach are primarily interested in a person’s perception, understanding and explanation of the real events of his life. Preference is given to the phenomenology of personality rather than the search for explanations. Therefore, this type of theory is often called phenomenological. The very description of a person and events in his life focuses mainly on the present and is described in the following terms: “life goals”, “meaning of life”, “values”, etc.
Signs of humanism
The main features of humanism are known, which fully reveal this concept:
- Autonomy . The ideas of humanism cannot be isolated from religious, historical or ideological premises. The level of worldview development directly depends on honesty, loyalty, tolerance and other qualities.
- Fundamentality . The values of humanism are important in the social structure and are the primary elements.
- Versatility . The philosophy of humanism and its ideas are applicable to all people and all social systems. In the existing worldview, one can go beyond the limits, since every person has the right to life, love and other characteristics.
Principles of a humanistic worldview
Humanism became the basis of the worldview of the Renaissance.
Main characteristics of the humanistic worldview:
Interest in human needs
Humanist philosophers comprehended the teachings of the ancient classics, being carried away by the study of the external image and spiritual essence of homo sapiens.
Development of the cult of individuality
Literature, in particular poetry, becomes a significant instrument of human education (poetry was embodied in the unification of all the best that is in a person, and was considered a brilliant form of manifestation of thoughts and feelings at the same time).
Philosophical system
Humanist philosophers began to deny the philosophical and theological basis of the medieval sages; they study a person, taking into account his speech and behavior, which express his temperament and the consequences of his actions.
The intellectual humanist is at the center of humanism as a system; he expresses and protects his originality, separating his beliefs from other philosophers, and tries to present his ideology.
Universality of humanistic values
Humanist philosophers crossed class and estate boundaries and declared the inclusiveness of human values they presented, which, in their opinion, were important for the entire educated society.
Humanism - types
There are several classifications of humanists, which differ in selection criteria. If we focus on the historical source and content, we can distinguish nine types of humanists: philosophical, communist, cultural, scientific, religious, secular, slaveholding, feudal, natural, environmental and liberal. It is worth considering what humanism is by priority:
- folk - living for the happiness of the people;
- human rights – advocating for the rights and freedoms of all people;
- pacifist - people who are peacemakers who fight against everything harmful on earth;
- public – providing assistance to children, disabled people and other people in need.
Famous humanists
The early figures of the humanist movement were primarily theoreticians—studying philosophy and formulating ideas. But then they were brought to life by other people. Among them are writers, scientists, doctors and representatives of many other professions.
Francesco Petrarch (1304—1374)
An outstanding Italian poet of the Proto-Renaissance era, an expert in Latin and the literature of Ancient Rome. A student of Barlaam of Calabria, an agnostic Greek thinker. Author of historical and polemical works, philosophical and lyrical works. Recognized as the founder of the humanistic movement in literature.
Creativity is characterized by a reflection of an acute conflict between the emerging ideas of humanism and the dominant theocentric value system based on Catholicism. At the same time, Petrarch's lyrics are distinguished by a deep interest in the inner world of the individual, declaring its versatility and value.
Lorenzo Valla (1407—1457)
Italian thinker, historian and philologist, who grew up in a family of educated officials close to the papal curia. He was engaged in research of ancient philosophy, as well as jurisprudence. Author of the treatise “On the Forgery of the Gift of Constantine,” which stood at the foundations of historical and philological criticism.
He sympathized with the ancient ideas of Epicureanism - the doctrine of life as a source of pleasure. He opposed church asceticism, polemicized with the scholastics and defended the ability to independently choose between good and evil. At one time he was persecuted by the Inquisition for his views.
Erasmus of Rotterdam (1466-1536)
Dutch scientist, thinker, translator and theologian. He is considered one of the major figures of the Northern Renaissance, who laid down the tradition of critical analysis and study of biblical texts. In the field of theology, he actively developed and defended the doctrine of free will. Lived and worked in Holland, France, England and Switzerland.
He was an innovator in the field of pedagogy and wrote a number of works on the issues of raising children. Orphaned at an early age, Erasmus grew up in an orphanage and suffered a lot from corporal punishment. Largely because of his experience, the scientist actively advocated for the protection of children from domestic and educational violence that was common at that time.
George Jacob Holyoake (1817-1906)
English public figure and publicist, participant in the labor movement. Born into a proletarian family, he worked as a teacher, actively developed the creation of cooperatives and wrote a number of works on this issue.
He was the last resident of England to be convicted of blasphemy and anti-religious attacks. Known for introducing the concept of secularism into active use, he advocated moral education using scientific achievements and without the participation of the church.
Paul Kurtz (1925—2012)
Famous American public figure, university teacher and Doctor of Philosophy. He adhered to skepticism, relied on critical thinking and rationalism, and vehemently criticized descriptions of paranormal phenomena. Kurtz distinguished himself as a popularizer of scientific knowledge and was among the key figures in the movement for the secularization of society. He became one of the authors of the Second Humanist Manifesto.
Elizaveta Glinka (1962—2016)
Better known as Dr. Lisa. Russian doctor, public figure, philanthropist and human rights activist. She was a member of the Presidential Council for the Development of Civil Society and Human Rights, as well as the founder of several charitable foundations.
She was one of the main creators of domestic palliative medicine - a field dealing with hospice and support for seriously ill or incurable patients. She actively helped the homeless, disabled people and children victims of natural disasters and military conflicts. Tragically died in a plane crash.
The principle of humanism
A person must develop and receive a certain set of knowledge and develop skills that he will return to the world through social and professional activities. A humanistic worldview implies compliance with the legal and moral norms of society and respect for social values. The principle of humanism implies adherence to a number of rules:
- Decent attitude of society towards all people, without regard to physical, financial and social status.
- When figuring out what humanism is, it is worth pointing out one more principle - the right of every person to be himself must be recognized.
- It is important to understand mercy as a step towards humanism, which should be based not on pity and sympathy, but on the desire to help a person integrate into society.
What is the essence of the humanistic approach in psychology?
Traditionally, the humanistic approach includes the theories of Allport G. on personality traits, Maslow A. on self-actualization, Rogers K. on instructive psychotherapy, on the life path of Buhler Sh., as well as the ideas of May R. The main provisions of the concept of humanism in psychology are as follows:
- initially a person has within himself a constructive, genuine force;
- the formation of destructive forces occurs as development progresses;
- a person has a motive for self-actualization;
- On the path of self-actualization, obstacles arise that prevent the individual from functioning effectively.
Key terms of the concept:
- congruence;
- positive and unconditional acceptance of oneself and others;
- empathic listening and understanding.
Main goals of the approach:
- ensuring the complete functioning of the individual;
- creating conditions for self-actualization;
- teaching spontaneity, openness, authenticity, friendliness and acceptance;
- education of empathy (sympathy and complicity);
- development of the ability for internal assessment;
- openness to new things.
This approach has limitations in application. These are psychotics and children. A negative result is possible with direct exposure to therapy in an aggressive social environment.
Humanism in the modern world
Recently, the ideas of humanism have undergone changes, and it has even lost its relevance, since for modern society the ideas of ownership and self-sufficiency, that is, the cult of money, have come to the fore. As a result, the ideal was not a kind person who is not alien to the feelings of other people, but a self-made person who does not depend on anyone. Psychologists believe that this situation leads society to a dead end.
Modern humanism has replaced love for humanity with the struggle for its progressive development, which directly affected the original meaning of this concept. The state can do a lot to preserve humanistic traditions, for example, free education and medicine, raising wages for public sector employees will prevent the stratification of society into property groups. A ray of hope that all is not lost and humanism can still be restored in modern society are people who are not yet alien to the value of justice and equality.
The concept and essence of humanistic pedagogy
Remark 1
Humanistic pedagogy proclaims the basis of the educational process is the child’s personality, its full and comprehensive development. Humanization of the pedagogical process implies equality of rights for teachers and students, the manifestation of their equal activity in the learning process.
The essence of humanistic pedagogy is to create optimal conditions for the full development of a harmonious personality, enriching her life experience, realizing creative potential and personal aspirations, as well as establishing harmonious relationships with others (people, society as a whole, nature, etc.).
Humanistic pedagogy implies a kind of “humanization” of knowledge, that is, giving it a form in which it acquires personal meaning for each participant in the educational process.
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Thus, the essence of humanistic pedagogy is that the child is not created for learning, but the learning process must be created specifically for the child, taking into account his capabilities and needs.
Facts about Humanism
There is a lot of interesting information related to this area, since over the years humanism has been tested, adjusted, declined, and so on.
- The famous psychologist A. Maslow and his colleagues back in the late 50s wanted to create a professional organization that would consider the manifestation of humanism in society from the perspective of psychology. It was determined that in the new approach self-realization and individuality should come first. As a result, the American Association for Humanistic Psychology was created.
- According to history, the first true humanist is Francesco Petrarca, who put man on a pedestal as an interesting and self-sufficient person.
- Many people are interested in what the term “humanism” is in its interaction with nature, and so it implies caring for the environment and showing respect for all living beings on earth. Ecohumanists strive to recreate lost elements of nature.
The main foundations of the humanistic approach to man
Nowadays, the interpretation of humanism places emphasis on the harmonious development of the intellectual abilities of the individual, as well as on its spiritual, moral and aesthetic components. To do this, it is important to discern in a person his potential data.
The goal of humanism is a full-fledged subject of activity, knowledge and communication, who is free, self-sufficient and responsible for what is happening in society. The measure that the humanistic approach assumes is determined by the prerequisites for a person’s self-realization and the opportunities provided for this. The main thing is to allow the personality to reveal itself, to help it become free and responsible in creativity.
The model of the formation of such a person, from the point of view of humanistic psychology, began its development in the USA (1950-1960). It was described in the works of Maslow A., Frank S., Rogers K., Kelly J., Combsie A., as well as other scientists.
Background to the emergence of humanistic theories of personality
Humanistic theories of personality became a logical stage in the development of psychology and other sciences, the focus of which was man. For quite a long time in psychology, the dominant position was occupied by theories according to which the essence and behavior of a person is predetermined mainly by biological factors.
Hypotheses and analogies with the animal world of mammals were built on this postulate, experiments and other studies were carried out. From these positions it was possible to study many aspects of a person’s personality, but not all. The task of finding methods of explaining those aspects of personality that are not amenable to experimental study and explanation from the point of view of physiology has become urgent.
Alfred Adler
The first to allow himself to move away from the biological component as the main determinant of human behavior was the Austrian psychologist and psychiatrist Alfred Adler. He identified social interest as the main factor in human development. Adler was also the first to assign a huge role to the creative component in a person’s personality. By the creative “I,” Adler understands a person’s desire to find his uniqueness and create his own life experience.
Accordingly, each person can be considered as a unique individual with his own set of characteristics, views, motives, and values. Adler believed that the foundations of a person’s future lifestyle are laid in early childhood and depend on many factors, including how the child was born in the family and what childhood memories seem most vivid to him in adulthood. Possible human complexes and compensatory mechanisms that begin to work at a conscious age depend on this.
Erich Fromm
A great contribution to the departure from the biologization of human essence in science was made by the German psychologist, sociologist and philosopher Erich Fromm. He identified five social needs that are characteristic of a person and predetermine his development to a greater extent than physiological factors or living conditions.
Social needs of a person according to Fromm:
- Connection with other people.
- Transcending.
- Rootedness.
- Orientation system.
- The opportunity to be yourself.
In simple words, this means that a person creates his own relationships with people, strives to rise above animal nature, wants to belong to society, family, group, but at the same time maintain self-identity and have a system of guidelines for how to perceive the world around him, other people and himself. Often needs come into conflict, for example, the need to be oneself and the need to belong to a group, and then the “flight from freedom” begins, to which Fromm devoted an entire book.
Victor Emil Frankl
However, a real breakthrough in the perception of a person as a highly spiritual person, capable of remaining so, despite all obstacles, was made by the Austrian psychologist and neurologist Viktor Emil Frankl. His fate is unique in that he received a terrifying opportunity to test the viability of his scientific views in the conditions of a Nazi concentration camp, where he ended up during the Second World War.
Even before the war, Frankl began working on his own theory of the meaning of life and came to the conclusion that a person is capable of self-actualization even in difficult life circumstances and with limited opportunities in the material world. Frankl explained this by the fact that a person is capable of being transcendental to himself, i.e. find the meaning of life outside of yourself. In addition, a person, if desired, can distance himself from the situation and see himself in it as if from the outside.
The views of Adler, Fromm, Frankl and their followers prepared the basis for humanistic theories of personality, which began to actively develop in the second half of the 20th century. By the way, Viktor Frankl, who continued to engage in science after the war, created his own method of psychotherapy - logotherapy, based on the search for the meaning of life as the basis of mental health.
