Summary of Humanist Principles, with comments
Draft #5, July 2001
Humanists agree on basic moral principles. The principles apply to almost all common situations, even if they may not be absolutely always applicable. Difficult situations arise in which a rule cannot replace an individual's conscience. The principles provide a general moral code based on reason and compassion.
Comment: This disclaimer was added because it is difficult to state moral rules that are absolutely always true. It is always possible to imagine a situation in which the most moral act is to break a rule. In reality, this type of situation may be very unlikely, but there is no substitute for a good conscience if a difficult moral choice is called for.
A. INDIVIDUAL AND SOCIETY
Comment: This section involves interactions between an individual and others in society.
1. Individuals want to secure a good, happy life for human beings, not just for ourselves but also for as many other people as is practically possible. We wish the best of fortune and opportunity, and the least of pain and trouble, to everyone.
Comment: This principle is basically about having good intentions toward others, even though we realize that it is often difficult to put all of our good intentions into practice.
2. Each mature, mentally competent individual has the primary responsibility for his or her own happiness and well-being. Each may request or accept assistance from others or may agree to join in mutually supportive relationships. Children should be taught how to be responsible for themselves.
Comment: Even though we, as members of society, would like to help people as much as possible, we must realize that each individual must be responsible for him or herself. There is no way to help someone who doesn't wish to be helped.
3. Do to others as you would have them do to you.
Comment: This statement is from the well-known Golden Rule from the Christian Gospels, as well as from older sources. In an earlier draft of this list, a statement about reciprocity was included, so that the statement was, "Do to others as you would have them do to you, on the assumption that others will reciprocate." This statement is unweildy, so it was shortened, but the idea of reciprocity is more consistent with humanism. In comparison, Christianity emphasizes in several passages that it is preferred to do good actions to others even if they act poorly in response.
4. Do not commit murder or torture.
5. Avoid killing or hurting people unless it is unavoidable for defense.
Comment: These two statement are more specific adaptations of "Thou shalt not kill" from the Ten Commandments. The exact meaning of "kill" has been ambiguous. Statement #4 is more specific by using "murder", and also proscribes "torture", which is not mentioned in the Commandments. Statement #5 refers to accidental or self defense killing or hurting, and includes the idea of reciprocity.
6. Respect other people's property and their investment in it.
Comment: This statement refers to "Thou shalt not steal" in a more general way to include respect for investments and avoiding vandalism or destruction.
7. Do not lie when the truth is expected, and honor promises and contracts. Do not maliciously deceive.
Comment: This is a more general statement of "Thou shalt not bear false witness", which is ambiguous about the circumstances in which lying is forbidden. Humanists realize that there are situations in which telling exaggerations or untruths is socially acceptable and expected. However, it is the responsibility of each individual to determine whether he or she is expected to be truthful and to act accordingly.
8. One of the joys of life is in assisting people who are in need.
Comment: Humanist would like all people to have good lives, as stated in item #1. However, we realize that we cannot expect everyone to help anyone in need, as a practical matter. But helping those in need is very rewarding, and we encourage all assistance that can be given. We also realize that some assistance may be unwanted, and we should act according to the wishes of those we are trying to help.
9. Children should be protected from harm.
10. Education of children about their role in society and the truth about the natural world is important for assuring the future of society. Children must in turn respect their parents and responsible adults.
Comment: Children should be respected and cared for by all members of society until they are ready to assume their full rights and responsibilities as adults and citizens.
11. People should not be prejudged because of their race, nationality, beliefs, or gender, but rather evaluated on their accomplishments and actions.
Comment: American society, history, and law have overwhelmingly condemned the ideas of prejudice and bigotry against individuals because of their background.
12. Modern society is based on division of labor, which requires a large number of interdependent jobs. Each individual should find a fulfilling job that contributes productively to society.
13. 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.
Comment: One person suggested adding the sentence, "Realize however that some people are violent and sociopathic and must be sanctioned or detained for the protection of others." One reason for omitting this sentence is that hopefully these people are a small minority, and they must be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Another reason is that the enforcement of laws in a just way is typically the responsibility of government.
14. Sexual relationships should only be between consenting adults. They should remember that the emotional consequences of the relationship can affect many people.
B. INDIVIDUAL AND KNOWLEDGE
Comment: This section concerns the methods for determining the truth about society and the natural world.
1. Rationality, critical thinking, and free inquiry are the best approaches for determining the truth and making decisions about society.
2. All traditions of whatever origin are subject to full and balanced critical examination, but the traditions should be given respect according to their time-tested validity.
3. The truth is valuable, and it is important to make a constant effort to search for the truth and improve our understanding of it.
4. Science is the most powerful method for systematically investigating nature. The natural world has objective reality, but some systems are so complicated that they may never be completely understood.
5. Artistic achievements from all different cultures are valuable since they reveal the diversity of people's ideas and beliefs.
C. INDIVIDUAL AND GOVERNMENT
Comment: This section concerns the proper role of government. It is in some ways the most controversial section, since many people have differing opinions about activities the government should be involved in. These statements reflect some particular responsibilities and restrictions of government. The statements should not be regarded as a complete specification of government activities. These activities must always be based on the wishes of the citizens and on the amount of expense that they are willing and able to support.
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.
Comment: This is from the 8th amendment of the U. S. Constitution.
3. Government may not search or seize an individual's person or property without reasonable evidence of a crime.
Comment: This is from the 4th amendment of the U. S. Constitution.
4. Individuals have the right to have a fair trial and not to incriminate themselves. The government can only try an individual once for a crime.
Comment: This is from the 5th amendment of the U. S. Constitution.
5. Government must be separated from religious authority.
Comment: This is from the first amendment of the U. S. Constitution.
6. Individuals have the right and responsibility to affect their government by voting to elect representatives, serving on juries, paying fair and reasonable taxes, and giving suggestions and information to the representatives.
7. Individuals have a right to speak freely and assemble to criticize or discuss policies of the government.
Comment: This is from the first amendment of the U. S. Constitution.
8. Government may not restrict legal trading and commerce between informed consenting partners, but it may enforce rules to prevent dishonesty.
9. Individuals have a right to privacy and to live without being harassed without cause.
10. Government may legislate to preserve the cleanliness of the environment as it affects the health of citizens.
11. Protection of biological diversity may be important for the well being of future generations. Government may be given limited responsibility to restrict activities for short-term individual benefits in order to preserve this diversity.
Comment: Statements #10 and 11 address two separate issues related to environmentalism. A problem associated with environmental policy is that it often mixes several types of concerns without justifying the reasons or providing limits. The humanistic statement of the issues attempts to relate the environmental concerns to effects on humans in order to limit the legitimate actions that may be taken by the government.