sign in sign up
<<
Home , Life stance

the conceptual, and the academic. This is so much a part of its popular image that as a Life Stance I doubt it can be overcome. , with its hyperintellectual and elitest connotations, will always put off many ordinary people. Science and Philosophy So, one must show how humanism is more Harry Stopes-Roe than a philosophy. and philosophy, with , are Other languages have words that are Scienbasesce from which we out to decide more apt. The German Weltanschauung is hat is humanism? A philosophy, a such fundamental questions as the well known, and it has close affinities with , a , an academic dis- of God, immortality, and the source of the Dutch levensbeschouwing. One takes cipline? moral . But it is not their job to tell us "world" and the other "life," but both replace One thing is clear: If humanism is to what to believe or how to live. "philosophy" with a word that translates hold its rightful place in the world arena, it They are impartial with respect to all literally as "view," though it also carries the must be seen for what it is. On the one conclusions. Their concern is to follow evi- of "consideration" or "reflection." Jaap hand, it must be seen in its particularity — dence; and, even after centuries, their con- von Praag, who was until his recent death a what makes it uniquely "humanism." On the clusions are never truly secure. In the mean- leading figure in Dutch humanism, called other hand, it must be seen in relation to , however, life must be lived; and certain humanism a levensovertuiging, which is other things that claim comparable . I ultimate beliefs are implicit in the justifica- stronger, because overtuiging means "con- am especially concerned with looking at tion of the way one lives. They determine viction." humanism in this latter way: How does it the of the decisions one makes. function for individuals, for society? In one Therefore, however agnostic or tentative Morality and sense, one could say that it functions as a humanists may be, we do make some as- ethics, morality, religion; in another, of course, one should sumptions. We accept a naturalistic view of he word or seems clear vigorously reject that word. My aim here is the universe, because that is what, it seems, Tenough: It represents the idea of good- to resolve this conflict. science is presenting; and we accept a num- ness, fulfillment, satisfaction of the deepest We require a new and new ber of conclusions concerning human na- kind; we think of our fellows and of what words to express it. I suggest life stance, an ture. These are assumptions of our lives; we ought to do to spread this goodness and expression that has been current in Britain they are not dogmatic, but they are part of fulfillment. All this is "morality," or "ethics," for more than ten years and one that is what defines humanism. If turned what expresses the best in life and living. steadily gaining acceptance there and world- against them, science would change; hu- But it is not as simple as that. wide to describe what is good in both hu- manism, in contrast, would collapse. Morality and ethics are shared terms in manism and religion—without encum- Humanism depends on science and phi- that all people agree that morality or ethics bered by what is bad in religion. losophy, but it is both less and more than expresses what is best; but it is deeply con- My real concern, of course, is the concept them. It is not involved in the detail of the troversial what exactly is best. The main- of a life stance—not the words. But one can debates, but it presupposes particular tenance of a shared society is only possible only handle a concept when one has words answers. More important, it enters areas when there is a substantial range of agree- to describe it; this is a of human think- where science and philosophy do not. Al- ment, but there is no forseeable prospect of ing. Therefore the words are important. though science, in psychology and , resolving the disagreements. Unfortunately, the words life stance are not is concerned with experience's subjective One might say that humanism is a ideal—no created term for something of aspects, it treats them impartially; it does morality and that is another— vital importance can spring forward as not discriminate between the good and the except that neither is only a morality. Both adequate for what one wants. If the new bad; it makes no moral judgments. In a involve factual claims that are necessary to expression is entirely new, it will be mysti- similar way, philosophy, in the contem- give roots to their respective moralities. And fying; if it has any prior associations, it will porary academic sense of British and Amer- both are more besides. The words ethical be deflected from its new sense. Some peo- ican universities, is abstract, "thought about culture bring out some of the "more." ple say the impression given by life stance is thought." Humanism, on the other hand, too static. But I suggest this is not right. does make substantial judgments of values Ethical Culture Stance is a position for action; it is a way of and ; it is thus "more" than both science holding oneself in action. Or it may be and philosophy. 66l J thical culture" carries the "more" taken as a secure base to support action. over and above theories of fact and That it is secure does not imply that it does Philosophy of Life value. But any engagement in ethical culture not change; a life stance grows as under- presupposes some particular ethics or moral- standing grows. ut philosophy is also used in a wider, ity. The words ethical culture are particularly In what follows, I attempt to describe Bmore popular sense: a "philosophy of associated with humanism; but, taken at various faces of humanism, with the aim of life." their face value, Christians can equally claim showing what is important about it, what A philosophy of life includes a view of the right to share in them. They have their constitutes it as a life stance. the world, of humanity's place in it—and of view of what constitutes ethical culture, "me" personally. And it includes a view of based on their view of what is best. Marxists moral value. But humanism goes beyond and Muslims would not use the words; but even this; it has a practical, emotional, they would certainly share the idea of work- Harry Scopes-Roe is president of the British motivating as well. Against this, the ing along a road to a better state of affairs— Humanist Association. bias of philosophy is towards the intellectual, which is what ethical culture represents.

Winter 1987/88 7 Humanism, Marxism, Christianity, and quires the inclusion of God or gods. (The must, therefore, find the new words to ex- may all be called "ethical "; does not quibble over atheistic Bud- press what this is, our and our each is distinguished by the view it holds of dhism.) Humanism is accepted as analogous ideals. the way and the goal. to a religion, but not a religion; and it is a But this is not sufficient. The words are legal accordingly. In United States Life Stance too particularly associated with humanism. law, the definition of religion does not re- And this association is not merely acciden- quire in God or gods. In Dutch the ight at the beginning I said that no tal. Ethical culture has a "this-worldly" ori- word for religion is "Godsdienst"—i.e., R newly created term can have the emo- entation that can be seen as positively ex- "God's duty." In German, on the other hand, tional power of a well-established one. Be- cluding dependence on God and His grace. "die Religion" includes humanism; indeed, cause the emotional power of religion cuts It was, actually, introduced by those who the leading German humanist organization both ways, I suggest that humanists cool wanted to express the fact (as humanists is called "Freireligioser." their use of that word. It would help, per- claim) that ethics is independent of . Many people see religion as expressing haps, if those who focus on the negative Ethical culture can be used to express the an identity rooted in feelings as well as would talk of "god-religion." My present practical and life-expressing aspects of reli- intellect—as expressing an affirmation of concern, however, is an alternative to the gion, its actively developed values, convic- involvement in an ethical community; as positive use. tions, and community. But it cuts expressing a commitment, even a moral I want life stance to embrace out the God-focus of religion—as theists see passion, that is oriented by life's ultimate that is good in religion, but without partial- "religion." Thus Christians —to say issues; above all, religion is to them an ity, one way or the other, as to whether of Muslims—would object to their religion affirmation and a life that is not merely God is real or not. Some life stances accept being described as "an ethical culture." Some moral but a true response to that which is God; some do not. humanists might also object to this extension ultimately important in the universe. I hope It is interesting to note how Christians, of the words; they look upon "ethical cul- I have caught something of what they mean; and god-religious people in general, don't ture" as something that is essentially theirs. the above passage is mainly built from want to open up the concept of religion in quotes from basic literature of the New York this way. Presumably, they instinctively Humanism Society for Ethical Culture. What I have recognize that it is an overwhelming threat just set out is of vital importance—it is so to them and their authority. Once people to me personally. accept that all that is good and important t is time, I think, to review the points 1 Granted all that, it is inadequate to talk does not necessarily presuppose a God, the I have made so far. Humanism is a totality of humanism as "a general philosophy"—a privileged status of Christianity is lost. of many elements, and it cannot be reduced philosophy "of humanitarianism" or any- On the other hand, religious people may to any of them. Its base is a series of claims. thing else; but can religion be accepted as have something of a case against the words It has a particular view of the universe and the word to express what it is? life stance: they are too human-centered. of humanity's place in it. It also makes The word religion is, in fact, used for all Remember the Dutch word for religion— claims about what is important, about what that; but it is also used in a way that pre- "God's duty." One value of stance here is its constitutes a moral framework. supposes, or explicitly asserts, that every- association with ground—God is (for the The above, in fact, expresses humanism thing can only be found in relation to God. religious) the ground of our being. I do feel as a life stance. Humanism is distinguished This latter fact cannot be overlooked. It is that religious people should—if they claim by the particular claims it makes and the clear that no humanist in Holland—or in any wish to cooperate—accept this aspect particular character of the consequent life Britain—would accept that humanism is a of "stance" as a recognition of God as the and practice. It claims that what is ultimately religion. Sometimes god-religious people say ground of our being. Yet life ground would important is, first, the existential of they use the word religion in the wide sense. be too inactive. Life conviction is even more sentient , their enjoyments and their I have studied many examples—and I have human-oriented than life stance, and there- ; second, the moral sensibility that never found any substantial instance when fore it would be less effective as a shared is in each person. These together give in- such a declaration has been carried through term. spiration to humanists; they define our effectively. What I have found more surprising than ideals and ethics. Humanism also is a rela- On the black side, god-religion has been the religionists' objections is the degree of tionship, binding individuals to their fel- associated, widely and often, with bigotry, opposition among humanists. I take this up lows, and it thus gives meaning to each. , and the suppression of natural in my last section. We understand reality on the basis of enjoyments. Many people use the words science and philosophy—but also on the religion and religious to express this—i.e., Toward a Definition basis of our moral sensibility itself. Human- as terms of abuse. How can one hope to ism is all this, as a living, working organism. forget this part of the word's history? ow can we focus the idea and ideal of These words cannot but be divisive in Hlife stance into something useful as a the humanist movement. One the one hand, definition? This can and should be a shared Religion they are powerfully tied to God, and they term between the god-religious and our- are widely used as terms of abuse. On the selves, one that does not discriminate in ut is this not religion? Here we are other, they are used to express matters that favor of either them or us. This is my defini- Bstruck by dire verbal confusions. The are of vital importance to humanism. It is tion: word means different things in different this vital importance that makes the confu- countries—and, as in the United States and sion so destructive. The antagonism has done Life stance: The and content of an Britain, among different groups of people much to pervert true understanding of hu- individual's or a community's relationship in each country. In British law religion re- manism and its place in the world. We with that which is of ultimate importance;

8 FREE INQUIRY

the of this, and the conse- quences for life that flow from it. The Humanist Identity A life stance is theistic or naturalistic ac- cording to whether it sees "that which is of Levi Fragell me. But I do believe that humanism should ultimate importance" in terms of God or be visible in our world. How can people something naturalistic. It is fundamental that hen you travel around the United make a fair personal choice of their way of a god-religion—or simply "religion," as peo- WStates, as well as Europe, almost life when they do not know that there exists ple would say—is precisely a theistic life everywhere you see a cross—on the top of a well-founded alternative to the religious stance. The two terms are synonymous, each churches, of course, but also on hilltops. creeds? I know that I would have lived a carrying the same depth of meaning. "Life Every priest and minister wears the cross better life had I known at the age of twenty- stance" has latent in it all the power of "reli- around his neck, and so too, it seems, a two that humanism and humanists existed. Thanks to 's book The gion" (in the sense of "god-religion"); this hundred million nice girls. The first thing Humanist Alternative and Corliss Lamont's power is realized (as the god-religious would Catholics in Miami did when they were pre- book The Philosophy of Humanism, I finally say) in the acknowledgment of God. paring for the arrival of the pope in August came to understand a bit of what humanism When one identifies "that which is of 1987 was erect a one-hundred-foot-high steel was all about. But how many have such an ultimate importance," one is making two cross. urge for enlightenment that they—like me— claims. First, one claims that this "thing" Why is it so important for the churches on a visit to New York City would walk exists, that it is real. Humanism claims that to place their everywhere for people from bookstore to bookstore searching for there are sentient beings with enjoyments to see? In former days, we might have said a book about humanism? and sufferings and that moral sensibility has that the Christians were impelled to do so a unique place in human living. Christianity by their magical beliefs. But today we mainly am very glad that a couple of the hu- claims that God is real and incarnate in look upon the use of such potent signs and manist organizations in the United States Christ. Second, one claims that this reality as essential elements in a communi- I are progressing pretty well. But, as far as I is important—indeed, ultimately important; cation and marketing process. Organizations can see, Jerry Falwell and his friends have it defines what moral importance and moral and companies put a lot of money into the done more in the last ten years to promote duty are. I present my interpretation of creation of a sign, symbol, or logo. And humanism than a'. the North American humanism as a sketch of a possibility, not when they have created it, they put it every- humanist movements have done in this cen- as authoritative; it is, I believe, sufficient where they can—and they seem to be proud tury. for the development of morality, though I of it. Of course we cannot blame ourselves for must leave that aside for now. I hope that The International Humanist and Ethical Jerry Falwell's greater success in informing even those who are most antipathetic to Union (IHEU) also has a symbol, called people about the existence of humanism. The creeds and dogmas will concur in my sug- "Happy Man" or "Happy Person." You may fundamentalist organizations have a lot of gestion that sentient beings, with their en- travel all around the world, walking up and money, even if some of their members are joyments sufferings, and moral sensibility, down every street, and never see it. You rather poor. The humanist organizations are of ultimate importance to humanists. may visit humanist groups, humanist build- have very little money, even if some of their ings and offices—and not see it. You may members are rather rich. among Humanists go to a humanist conference and not see it. I think there will be some profit to gain Why not? Because humanists tend to think from the televangelists' humanist-hunting. it isn't necessary to tell the world that they The persecuted minority is far better off than od-religion has done untold damage exist. , they believe, will penetrate soci- the forgotten minority. Indeed, most minori- Gto the realization of moral sensibility. ety by itself, and the best philosophy will ties have had their historical chance in Its excesses have alienated some intelligent win the battle of because it is the best. people from the very idea of tackling the 1 think they are wrong. A rather primitive periods of persecution. ultimate questions of life seriously and co- Maybe it is now a bit late to arrange and partly harmful religion has dominated operatively—and working together accord- demonstrations at the leading universities. the Western world for two thousand years, But I do think a lot more work has to be ing to what one finds. These are the capaci- but not because it is the truth or a better ties that supremely distinguish human be- done on the campus and in the streets. Twice way of thinking. ings from the other animals; and they have a year I go down to the main street of Oslo, I believe in a for humanism, but been depraved and corrupted by the god- together with my younger friends, to hand we may very easily lose the battle if we act out leaflets about the state-church system . Some humanists are so disturbed as if fighting is unnecessary. by the evil they see that they cannot bear to and the Christian constitution of Norway. I don't support hard-selling marketing acknowledge that religions have done any methods when it comes to beliefs. I was a In my circular letters to the 150 branch good whatever. pentecostal preacher when I was young, and sections of our organization I exhort the Over and against this, the word religion never again shall I try to persuade a person local leaders to do this street-work or dis- also has a kind of charisma for others; it to give up his or her convictions to follow tribute our flyers through the mail. Out of represents for them these vital aspects of every hundred brochures that human experience. are put into mailboxes we get two replies. Thus confusion becomes embittered. Levi Fragen is the president of Norway's One thousand flyers yield twenty replies. It Humanists are divided into two camps— Human-Disk Forbund and co-chairperson costs postage, paper, and some walking, but sometimes, it seems they are at war— of the International Humanist & Ethical we gain new members every day. Over the according to how they respond to the word Union. last five years we have never brought in (continued on p. 56) fewer than ten new members a day.

Winter 1987/88 9 (Elections, tont d. from p. 53) (Letters, cons ä. from p. 4) ated?" (FI, Summer 1987). Stenger appears mental , supported by extensive expert to believe that the idea that the universe neither rare nor unusual. In fact, they are as and the sterling track record of resulted from a "random" quantum fluctua- predictable as the spring storm season here home-schooling. tion will strike a blow against religious belief in "tornado alley." Item: The record shows that home- in a creator. Alas, the believer's response The person who finds a tornado to be a schooled children score substantially higher will instead most likely consist of the two manifestation of providence has been condi- than government-schooled children on any traditional replies to biological : tioned to think that God's goodness is a standard academic achievement test. denial ("It's only a theory") and assimilation totally unquestionable proposition. When he Item: The University of California at ("It was God's tool"). The claim of random- experiences tragedy, therefore, the fact that Berkeley finds that the average academic ness is no barrier to the latter. The word its scope is limited or that it ends becomes a achievement of its undergraduates who were random implies that our universe would not proof of divine goodness. As always, all previously home-schooled is superior to the have come into existence if conditions in good confirms religious belief and strength- average academic achievement of its tradi- the initial "spaceless, timeless void" had been ens the religious commitment, and all evil tionally schooled undergraduates. just a little different (that is, if the quantum makes one aware of the need to increase Item: Studies show that home-schooled state of the universe had been a slightly dif- . No negative evidence of any kind can children come out ahead even in the unlikely ferent linear combination of possibilities). If possibly break through this impregnable area of socialization. this is indeed the case, the religious believer wall. Item: Dr. Raymond Moore, whose can claim that God picked out the specific This kind of religious conviction has Hewitt Foundation has studied home- state that did, in fact, result in our world, created a trap in which any evidence cannot schooling for years, has found in ten thou- and for precisely that . If, on the other help but promote the religion itself. It is a sand case-studies not one young person in hand, the of turn out to permit profoundly powerful evolutionary mechan- trouble with the law. only one initial state, and that state results ism that practically guarantees a religion's Item: Dr. Donald Erickson, professor of in our world, the claim against a "grand firm grip on its members. at the University of California at design" is hardly robust. We'll never know or hear which Red Sox Los Angeles, and one of the world's leading The great battle between science and reli- players—or fans—said that were not authorities on teacher certification, points gion has been over biological evolution. This answered. (1 suspect no one dared ask Calvin out in his defense of home-schooling that situation is likely to continue for the foresee- Schiraldi or Bill Buckner.) And, as for Mr. there is no of any kind able future. The true origin of the universe McCray, although he was disappointed that that would indicate that teacher certification will not be nearly as repugnant to many the abortion amendment initiative failed, his is of any value in improving the quality of religious believers as is the true origin of convictions offer him protection: He can learning. our species. simply claim that evil prevailed. • Item: Most home-school parents are will- Mark Srednicki ing to submit to some form of accountability Department of Physics —such as annual standardized examination Univ. of Calif. at Santa Barbara (Life-stance, tont d. from p. 7) of students—that is not prohibitive or per- vasively intrusive. Grief and Solace religion. Do they, taking all in all, respond Item: Present laws can be employed to negatively or positively? The ferocity of the rectify any unproductive or inimical home- I have recently discovered that I have been antipathy on the one hand, and the power schooling situation. a humanist all along. While reciting creeds, of the concern on the other, that is generated Item: In ten years of observing and testi- I used to tell myself that, though I didn't by this word quite obliterates reasoned dis- fying before North Dakota legislative hear- believe any of it, I liked the people and the cussion of many substantial and important ings, 1 have seen the admission of volumes friendships I had made in church. questions concerning how we should develop of scholarly factual evidence supporting But, at the same time, my rational mind humanism. Likewise, our discussions with home-schooling and, in all that time, never was telling me that Christianity was a . the god-religious are confused and frus- even a single hard fact in opposition—only Now, I think can be good teachers— trated. . but only if one does not take them (excuse We need a new term for the idea and Ms. Collins would be better employed the expression) as "gospel." ideal of religion, opened out so that it is not in seeing to it that government schools be However, just now I am having a rough discriminatory. Let this be Could brought up to the level of achievement al- life-stance. time. My beloved husband died unexpectedly we perhaps bury the hatchet of religion and ready attained by home schools. A free more than a year ago—nearly two now. I'm people thrive when there is opportunity for work together? finding it hard to get over my grief, and the There is a job to be done. Humanists the exploration of alternatives. one thought that seems to give some solace must establish humanism as a well-recog- is that, maybe, when I die, I will see him nized source of moral authority in society, a Grael Brian Gannon again. support for the moral concerns of indi- Shiloh Christian School I am appealing to your readers to give viduals. This does not involve a dogmatic me some direction to help me through this claim that we are right. But it does involve The Claim of Randomness time in my life. and gratitude for a willingness and a capacity to argue effec- what we had are good, but they sure don't tively for our understanding of what an As a theoretical physicist who has co- fill all the lonely hours. "ethical culture" is. • authored a few papers on the inflationary universe, I was pleased to see Victor J. Helen Williams Stenger's article "Was the Universe Cre- Los Angeles, Calif.

56 FREE INQUIRY