... is a ten-word, static definition of humanism. The Continuum of Humanist Education (COHE) is a million-word, dynamic, ongoing exploration of humanism. This brief survey course, Introduction to Humanism, is going to fall somewhere in between, providing a one- to two-hour overview of the history, philosophy, and goals of humanism.

By the time you've finished the two lessons of this module, you'll have a general understanding of what humanism is (and what it is not!), the role of humanism in history, the core principles of humanism, and what humanism offers the individual and society. We hope this course will inspire you to delve deeper into the rich culture of humanism by exploring other courses within the Continuum.

Introduction to Humanism is divided into two lessons. Lesson 1 summarizes the history of humanist ideas and their role in the development of the modern world. Lesson 2 explores the meaning and scope of the humanist lifestance in the current era. You are free to navigate the course in sequential order or skip to selected topics according to your own interest. You may also return as often as you like. Refer your friends; this module is open to the public with no registration and no tuition.

COHE TIP: This demo course will also be your introduction to special features we've included in COHE modules throughout the site: elements like interactive quizzes, course glossaries, and more. Watch for the red COHE TIPs as we go along to familiarize yourself with the full experience of the look, feel, and workings of courses in the Continuum of Humanist Education.

Although not at all required, we hope you'll consider registering as a COHE student before reading this free demo course. Registration is free, with no obligation to enroll in COHE courses. Registering and logging in prior to reading the lessons of Introduction to Humanism will unlock your door to the COHE Message Board, where other COHE students are discussing and debating the stimulating topics and provocative questions they encounter in their courses here, this one included.

Important: You must be registered and logged in if you wish to enroll in other COHE courses, even those without tuition. Only this demo course is open to the public without registration.

Before moving on to our lessons, let's lay the foundation by offering some formal definitions of humanism. You'll be better prepared to articulate your own definition after finishing this course.

"...seeking, without religion, the best in, and for, human beings." Chambers Pocket Dictionary

"...a doctrine, attitude, or way of life centered on human interests or values; especially: a philosophy that usually rejects supernaturalism and stresses an individual's dignity and worth and capacity for self-realization through reason." Merriam Webster Dictionary

"...a non-religious philosophy, based on liberal human values." Little Oxford Dictionary

"...an appeal to reason in contrast to revelation or religious authority as a means of finding out about the natural world and destiny of man, and also giving a grounding for morality... Humanist ethics is also distinguished by placing the end of moral action in the welfare of humanity rather than in fulfilling the will of God." Oxford Companion to Philosophy

"The rejection of religion in favor of the advancement of humanity by its own efforts." Collins Concise Dictionary

"That which is characteristically human, not supernatural, that which belongs to man and not to external nature, that which raises man to his greatest height or gives him, as man, his greatest satisfaction…" Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences

"...a morally concerned style of intellectual atheism openly avowed by only a small minority of individuals but tacitly accepted by a wide spectrum of educated people in all parts of the Western world." Oxford Companion to the Mind

"A system of thought that centers on humans and their values, capacities, and worth." American Heritage Dictionary

[Lesson 1]  [Lesson 2]