Bill's Humanist Principles
DRAFT #1, Jan. 9, 2000
A. INDIVIDUAL AND KNOWLEDGE
1. Humanists desire to secure a good, happy life for human beings, not just for ourselves but also for as many other people as possible.
2. Each individual has the primarily responsibility for satisfying his or her own happiness and well-being, but may obtain assistance from as many others as wanted or needed.
3. Moral principles for human relationships should be based on rationality, critical thinking, and free inquiry to find the best approach. In the course of identifying a best approach, discussion from many points of view is necessary, and it may happen that all the participants will not all be completely satisfied with the final consensus.
4. Dogmas, ideologies, and traditions, whether religious, political, or social, are subject to examination by each individual and do not have to be accepted on faith or on the word of an authority. However, anyone who suggests changes to established social rules has the responsibility to demonstrate that each change is an improvement.
5. The truth is valuable, and it is important to make a constant effort to search for the truth and improve our understanding of it.
6. We should enjoy and appreciate artistic and intellectual achievements, and use them to understand the outlook of others.
B. INDIVIDUAL AND SOCIETY
1. Ethical interactions with others is based on the principle: Do to others what you would have them do to you. This principle assumes that, if the situation is reversed in the future, the other person will act reciprocally.
2. Modern society is based on division of labor, which requires a large number of interdependent jobs. Each individual should find a fulfilling job which contributes productively to society.
3. One of the joys of life is in the assisting of other people who are in need. This aid gives hope not only to the recipient but also the donor.
4. Do not intentionally kill or injure people.
5. Do not steal from people.
6. Do not lie when the truth is expected, and keep promises and contracts.
7. Education of children about their role in society and the truth about the natural world is an important effort for assuring the future of society. Children must also respect their parents and responsible adults.
9. Other people should not be prejudged solely because of their race, nationality, or gender, but rather based on their accomplishments.
C. INDIVIDUAL AND GOVERNMENT
1. Government has the legitimate responsibility and authority to protect the lives, safety, and property of the individuals over which it has jurisdiction, and to uphold legal contracts.
2. Government may not impose cruel and unusual punishment on individuals who break laws.
2. Government must be separated from religious authority.
3. Individuals have the right and responsibility to affect their government by voting for elected representatives and giving suggestions and information to the representatives.
4. Individuals have a right to speak freely and assemble to criticize or discuss policies of the government.
5. Government may not restrict trading between willing partners, but it may enforce rules to prevent dishonesty or unfairness.
6. Protection of ecological and biological diversity may be important for future generations. Government may be given limited responsibility to restrict free enterprise of short-term individual benefits in order to preserve this diversity.