How do humanists decide what it means to be good and how do they think we can best answer moral questions?
Humanists believe that the origins of our moral capacities lie inside human beings and our evolution as social animals. They believe that, when deciding how to act, we should use reason and empathy, considering the consequences of our actions and the likely impact on other people and animals.
Aesop’s fable about the Golden Rule
A story about how most of us are good most of the time
A short animated video of the Aesop’s Fable, exploring the Golden Rule.
A short film of Michael Leannah’s picture book, exploring the question of whether being good comes naturally to us.
A BBC bitesize resource featuring two short films about humanists and their approach to being good.
Individual humanists answer the question
Explore different reasons to be good
A short animation presenting how humanist philosopher Peter Singer uses empathy, reason, and evidence to try to reduce suffering around the world.
Individual humanists answer the question
Stephen Fry explains how humanists make decisions about how to act.
Watch a number of humanists answering the question
Philosopher AC Grayling describes where we might begin to find answers about how we should behave towards others.
A short animation presenting how humanist philosopher Peter Singer uses empathy, reason, and evidence to try to reduce suffering around the world.
How might a humanist respond?
Individual humanists answer the question
Stephen Fry explains how humanists make decisions about how to act.
Watch a number of humanists answering the question
Philosopher Stephen Law explains moral relativism and some of the problems with it.
Philosopher AC Grayling describes where we might begin to find answers about how we should behave towards others.
Richard Norman explains what it is about our nature that gives rise to moral questions.
A short animation presenting how humanist philosopher Peter Singer uses empathy, reason, and evidence to try to reduce suffering around the world.
The life you can save: An animation from the BBC on humanist philosopher Peter Singer and our obligations to reduce suffering
Stephen Fry explains how humanists make decisions about how to act.
Watch a number of humanists answering the question
Philosopher Stephen Law explains moral relativism and some of the problems with it.
Philosopher AC Grayling describes where we might begin to find answers about how we should behave towards others.
Richard Norman explains what it is about our nature that gives rise to moral questions.
E-book: A guide to the humanist approach to ethics
A short animation presenting how humanist philosopher Peter Singer uses empathy, reason, and evidence to try to reduce suffering around the world.
The life you can save: An animation from the BBC on humanist philosopher Peter Singer and our obligations to reduce suffering
Humanists UK
39 Moreland Street
London EC1V 8BB
education@humanists.uk
@HumanismEdu
© Humanists UK 2024. Registered Charity No. 285987
humanists.uk | Privacy
Illustrations by Hyebin Lee
@humanismedu