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Humanist Viewpoints Humanist Viewpoints A guide to Humanist thought on morality topics covered in the RME/RMPS curriculum Humanist Society Scotland October 2017 Version 1.0 Contents Foreword p2 Justice pp3-5 Purpose of punishment Rights of prisoners/suspects Causes of crime Death Penalty Relationships pp6-8 Gender roles Sexual relationships Contraception Marriage Sex Education Environment and Global Issues pp9-10 Using Natural Resources and Environmental Crises Animal Rights Poverty Medicine and the Human Body pp11-13 Sanctity of Life & Abortion Use of Embryos Organ Donation Euthanasia and assisted dying 1 Foreword This guide gives an overview of core topics of the RME/RMPS curriculum in Scotland. This paper also sets out to summarise some key “Humanist Perspectives” on some of these topics. All these perspectives are based on public messages espoused by key organisations in Humanism, such as Humanist Society Scotland, Humanists UK, International Humanist and Ethical Union or high profile Humanists. It should be noted that this is a guide to assist School Visitors and not a definitive answer to all moral or ethical issues. A key cornerstone of Humanism is the ability for individuals to debate and discuss important issues and in some cases therefore it is difficult to give a “defined” Humanist viewpoint. Unlike some religions that the students will have studied Humanists do not have a core text or thought leaderships that tells us how to live our lives or how to approach key issues. Under each section is a reference to key policy decisions of the International Humanist and Ethical Union which are relevant to that topic area. If challenged on some of these areas where opinions may differ in the Humanist community, it is perfectly fine to give your own personal view. Speak about how you came to that point within a broad Humanist philosophical approach while noting that these can be debated and different opinions held. Fundamentally Humanists think humans have to work things out for themselves using evidence, reason and respect and not looking to a set text or deity for guidance. If you have feedback about any of the content in this guide, or feel there is something missing that you have been asked about during a school visit please get in touch: [email protected] or 0300 302 0685. Fraser Sutherland Campaigns and Communications Manager, Humanist Society Scotland 2 Topic Area: Justice Purpose of punishment Humanists do not have a holy book to guide them on how criminals should be treated or punished. Humanists believe we have to work it out for ourselves using evidence, reason and respect. Many Humanists uphold the Golden Rule as the key principle to guide our thought – to treat others the way we wish to be treated. However this could raise the question have criminals forfeited the right to be treated under the golden rule by not following it themselves? Humanism has long looked at the Chinese Philosopher Confucius work. He famously noted that it was important that the victims of crime felt that justice has been done. That the wrong done by a criminal has been righted. But this could mean different things to different people and we can’t run a justice system solely on the basis of making victims feel better whatever that is. In addition many Humanists believe that any punishment should be proportionate to the crime. For example it is seen as unfair and unjust to execute someone who has stolen something. Humanists support evidence based policy making. That means Chinese Philosopher Confucius we look to support the methods of punishment that have been thoughts, on the Golden Rule, is often a starting point for Humanist shown to best: thinking. - Protect people from the harms of crime - Deter people from committing crime - Reform criminals to stop them committing further crimes While prisons and a custodial sentences can be seen a strong deterrent for committing crime and protection of the public from those who have committed crime, rates of reoffending amongst individuals who have been in prison and Humanists believe that prison should only be used for the most released is very high. It is also very dangerous offenders expensive method of punishment which leads to many Humanists thinking that prison should only be used for the worst offences and some non-custodial methods of punishment have been shown to be better at reforming people involved in more petty crimes. 3 Most Humanists would agree that we should look to forms of sentencing that seek to improve behaviour in the future and reduce re-offending, especially for petty crimes rather than simply focussing on punishing an individual. IHEU Policy on Penal Reform, 1972 Rights of Suspects/Prisoners One way to interpret the Golden Rule is to consider how we would expect to be treated if we were accused of a crime. This leads Humanists commonly to support some key rights for individuals suspected of crime (and to ensure those who turn out to be innocent are protected too): - A fair trial - Right to defend themselves in a court of law - To be treated humanely while in prison Many Humanists also believe that we must respect all persons, including criminals, as we believe they have rights the same as other people despite what they have done. We have to therefore consider the impact of particularly severe punishments in policy making. This particularly applies to young offenders and how we support the reform of that individual. Humanists also uphold internationally agreed Human Rights and respect for individuals, for example making sure people in prison have Humanists believe everyone has key rights, including a fair trial if accused of a crime access to food, proper sanitation and medical care. IHEU Policy on Penal Reform, 1972 Causes of Crime Causes of crime are very complex however Humanists believe that the best way to solve the problems of crime is to look at the issues which push people towards it. Most crime is committed in very unequal societies and where individuals feel they have nothing to lose perhaps because they live in such poor circumstances. Mental health conditions and addictions are also major contributors to crime rates and Humanists support action to support and improve the lives of people affected by these issues which would make them less likely to resort to crime. IHEU Brussels Declaration 2007 4 Death Penalty Humanists don’t support the use of the death penalty. The International Humanist and Ethical Union campaigns to remove the death penalty in countries where it exists on the basis it violates our right to life (Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights). Humanists have come to this view on the basis of reason and evidence. The death penalty for example appears to have no impact as a deterrent for murder rates. The USA having one of the highest murder rates in Western society despite some states having the death penalty. Within the USA, states with the death penalty have a murder rate that is 28% higher than in the states without the death penalty. In addition Humanists are concerned about the fact the death penalty carries the risk of making mistakes and the potential deaths of innocent people. 5 Topic Area: Relationships Gender roles Humanists believe in equal respect for all people. Many Humanists believe that “traditional” views of the roles of men and women have been patriarchal and misogynistic that have sought to deny women their own equal rights in society. For example in some societies much is placed on a traditional definition of what a family should look like. That women should look after children and the home and men work and supply income. Humanists believe this discriminates against women and forces them to take on the majority of housework and childcare. It also seeks to control women and also to discourage Humanists believe in equality for all and seek to break down gender discrimination homosexuality. Humanists believe that both people in a relationship have equal status. This means neither should feel they are responsible or not responsible for certain things just because of their gender. Discussion between a couple on how to split tasks and responsibilities is a better much fairer way to ensure respect for both individuals. Sexual Relationships Humanists believe that sex is a pleasure that can be enjoyed responsibly. It is important however that individuals are responsible for their own actions and are not forced into anything that they are not comfortable with. We also must ensure that people are physically and mentally mature enough to make these important decisions before they can have sex, otherwise people can be abused by people who are not looking out for the welfare of others. Humanists generally do not subscribe to the belief that virginity must be kept until marriage, seeing no obvious benefit or reason for doing so. Neither do Humanists see having sex with more than one person in the course of our lives a problem. Humanists believe that we are all responsible for our own decisions and obviously we should consider our choices carefully before forming a close relationship with others to ensure it is really what we want. Humanists are against any form of sexual exploitation or abuse as we would see it as running against the Golden Rule principle. This also includes any form of domestic abuse, we do not believe there is any justification for such actions. 6 Contraception Humanists believe that contraception should be available for those who wish to use it. Humanists do not believe in a god so therefore do not subscribe to the argument that it is against God’s plan.
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