Mike's Humanist Principles
A) Basic Principles
1) Humanist Ethics: a) Promoting human progress (improving the human condition).
Humanists want to secure a good, happy life for human beings, not just for themselves but also for as many other people as is practically possible. That is the central purpose of humanism.
Improving the human condition can include any or all of the following: new and appropriate technologies, better social relations, the production and appreciation of artistic and intellectual achievements, individual self-actualization, or improved human interaction with natural environments and with other species of living things.
In order to have human progress, it is necessary to learn more about the world. So, the truth is valuable, and it is important to make a constant effort to search for the truth and improve understanding of it.
2) Humanist Ethics: b) Freedom of belief, and freedom to pursueknowledge.
Humanists advocate freedom in the search for truth, including freedom of religion, freedom of philosophy, and freedom of science. Freedom of belief is necessary, because humanists believe that no one person has all of the truth.
3) Humanist Method of Knowledge (Epistemology): a) reason and evidence
Knowledge, including knowledge about moral principles, should be based on rationality, critical thinking, evidence, and free inquiry, to find the best information and the best moral approach. Discussion from many points is necessary, and all the participants may not be completely satisfied with the predominant view.
4) Humanist Method of Knowledge (Epistemology): b) relation of individual and society
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 or the majority. However, anyone who suggests changes to established social rules must provide evidence and reasoned arguments for why others should be convinced that each change would be an improvement.
5) Humanist Metaphysics: objective reality
Humanists believe that there is an objective reality, which exists independently of human knowledge or claims. The natural world can be described and explained according to scientific laws, but some systems are so complicated that they may never be completely be understood.
B) Individual and Society
1) Ethical interactions with others are based on the principle: Do to others what you would have them do to you, under mutual consent. This principle is reinforced by the observation that doing so will increase the likelihood that others will act in kind.
2) One of the joys in life is in assisting people who are in need.
3) Do not attack innocent people so as to intentionally injure or kill them.
A society works best if people prevent or at least minimize violent acts against each other, and similar acts in which one person forces another person to be involved in an activity without mutual consent, or uses lies to trick another person into such a situation.
4) Do not steal from people.
In order to uphold the principle of "Do not steal", it is necessary to define what is rightful property and what is not. As a general rule, the person who produces something has more right to obtain the benefits of that product than other people do. But since no person produced natural resources, there is justification for laws that require more equitable ownership or sharing of natural resources.
5) Do not lie when the truth is expected, and keep promises and contracts.
6) Education of children about society and the natural world is important for assuring the future of society. Children must in turn respect their parents and other responsible adults who are teaching them to uphold the basic ethical principles described here.
7) People should not be prejudged because of their race, nationality, or gender, but rather based on their accomplishments and actions.
8) A modern society is based on division of labor, which requires a large number of interdependent jobs. The goal is for each person to be able to find productive and fulfilling work. In a society where some people are prosperous but many others cannot find productive or fulfilling work, it is probably a sign that the society is not following the ethical principles described here.
9) Do not seek revenge on people who offend or act wrongly toward you - instead, try to communicate the offense to them, seek fair restitution, and discourage the actions.
10) Sexual relationships should only be between consenting adults. They should remember that the emotional consequences of the relationship can affect many people.
11) Although each individual has the primary responsibility for his or her own happiness and well-being, and should attempt to be self-supporting if possible, others also have a moral obligation to provide some help to those who cannot help themselves.
C) Individual and Government
1) Government has the legitimate responsibility and authority to protect the lives, safety, and rightful property of the individuals over which it has jurisdiction, and to enforce legal contracts.
2) Government may not impose cruel and unusual punishment on individuals who break laws, and government may not search an individual's person or property without probable cause.
3) Government must be separated from religious authority.
4) Individuals have the right and responsibility to affect their government by voting to elect representatives, serving on juries, and giving suggestions and information to the representatives.
5) Individuals have a right to speak freely and assemble to criticize or discuss policies of the government.
6) Government may not restrict freedom of association, or freedom of trade, meaning between consenting partners. But government may enforce rules to prevent interactions that do not involve mutual consent, such as those described in section B.
7) Similarly, government may legislate to preserve the cleanliness of the environment as it affects the health of citizens.
8) Protection of biological diversity may be important for future generations. Due to the basic distinction between natural resources and human-made products as described in section B, government may be given limited responsibility to preserve certain wilderness areas or green spaces, or to place restrictions on certain activities involving short-term individual benefits, in order to preserve this diversity.