Understanding Humanism
Films: Understanding the world
Where do we come from?
Where do we come from? tells the scientific story of our origins, from the Big Bang, through the evolution of stars, planets, life, and, ultimately, us, revealing what we are made from and how we are connected to the rest of the living world. This short but beautiful animation highlights the wonder in this story that humanists (and others) might draw on as a source of inspiration, meaning, and value in their lives.
Download the accompanying teacher’s notes.
How do we know what’s true?
Stephen Fry explains how humanists make decisions about what to believe.
Philip Pullman on curiosity
Children’s author Philip Pullman describes how our curiosity makes us special.
How do you know what is true?
Humanists explain how they make decisions about what they believe to be true.
What is Scepticism?
Philosopher Stephen Law introduces what humanists might mean when they talk about scepticism.
Rational belief
Philosopher AC Grayling emphasises the importance of basing our beliefs on rational foundations.
Reasonableness comes in degrees
Philosopher Stephen Law explains how it is better to think about our beliefs as appearing on a scale of reasonableness.
Humanism and science
Theoretical physicist, author, and broadcaster Jim Al-Khalili talks about whether science is a force for good and how it can enrich our lives.
The value of science communication
Theoretical physicist, author and broadcaster, Jim Al-Khalili, explains why science communication is important to humanists.
