Summary of Humanist Principles
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.
A. INDIVIDUAL AND 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.
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.
3. Do to others as you would have them do to you.
4. Do not commit murder or torture.
5. Avoid killing or hurting people unless it is unavoidable for defense.
6. Respect other people's property and their investment in it.
7. Do not lie when the truth is expected, and honor promises and contracts. Do not maliciously deceive.
8. One of the joys of life is in assisting people who are in need.
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.
11. People should not be prejudged because of their race, nationality, beliefs, or gender, but rather evaluated on their accomplishments and actions.
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.
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
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
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.
3. Government may not search or seize an individual's person or property without reasonable evidence of a crime.
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.
5. Government must be separated from religious authority.
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.
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.