Introduction to Humanism

What is Secular Humanism? by Fritz Stevens et al.
Defines secular humanism and answers common questions about humanism.

The Affirmations of Humanism from the Council for Secular Humanism
A statement of some of the basic principles of humanism.

This is Humanism by Judith Hayes
Illustrates humanism by describing the events in the life of Amy.

Philosophical Issues

The Human Basis of Laws and Ethics by Frederick Edwords
"So we can see that without living beings with needs, there can be no good or evil. And without the presence of more than one such living being, there can be no rules of conduct. Morality, then, emerges from humanity precisely because it exists to serve humanity. Theology attempts to step outside this system, even though there is no need (beyond coercion) for such a move."

The Moral Foundations of Atheism and Christianity by Mark I. Vuletic
Response to the argument that atheism entails that one has no reason to behave morally.

Are God and Ethics Inseparable or Incompatible? by Robin Le Poidevin
Discussion of problems with basing morality on the idea of God.

Atheism and Humanistic Value Theory by Michael Martin
"Atheism and humanistic value theory . . . are distinct and separable positions. . . . [Humanists must] defend their humanistic values without support from either atheism or theism. Since humanistic values can be supported by both camps, both belief and nonbelief in God are irrelevant."

Organizations

Council for Secular Humanism
Publisher of Free Inquiry.

The American Humanist Association
Publisher of The Humanist.

More Reading

Secular Humanism from The Secular Web
A collection of articles on secular humanism.