Our humanist perspectives are primarily designed to support teachers who are teaching the Religious Studies GCSE. They cover humanist approaches to a wide range of topics, themes, questions, and debates included in the exam specifications. Teachers of other key stages will also find useful content in these resources to support their own planning and teaching around these topics. Students keen to learn more about the humanist approach to life will also find helpful content here.
Many of the humanist perspectives contain content on several themes (e.g. the prejudice and discrimination perspective covers gender equality, LGBT rights, racism, and discrimination against the non-religious). Relevant pages can be selected and shared with students, or teachers can use the content to create their own resources. You'll also find links to other relevant resources and videos, and pages connected with the campaigning work of humanist organisations.
What do humanists think about abortion? How might a humanist respond to religious arguments relating to abortion?
Interview with lifelong abortion campaigner Diane Munday
Interview with human rights lawyer Caoilfhionn Gallagher
Humanists UK’s abortion campaign page
Humanist Heritage article on the history of humanist campaigning on reproductive rights
For expert advice, see British Pregnancy Advice Service and Brook Education for Choice
How can evidence and empathy inform decisions about animal welfare? What do humanists think about eating meat?
Humanists UK’s animal welfare campaign page
Humanists UK statement on The Five Freedoms for Animals
A exploration of the Humanists UK archives on matters of animal welfare
What purpose might humanists see in punishment? Do humanists support the death penalty?
Interview with humanist probation officer and pastoral carer Amy Waldon
Animation: Lex talionis and retribution: Stephen Fry provides a humanist perspective on the potentially negative consequences of retribution
Humanist Heritage article on the history of humanist pastoral care
Why might a humanist be motivated to engage in dialogue with religious people? What areas of common ground can be found?
Interview with Humanists UK’s Dialogue Officer Jeremy Rodell
Why might humanists care about the environment? Is the natural world only important because of its use to human beings?
Interview with former Co-Leader of the Green Party, Siân Berry
Humanist Heritage article on the history of humanist environmentalism
Do humanists believe we should have the right to legal assisted dying? How do they decide?
Interview with legal assisted dying campaigner Paul Lamb
Interview with Michael Irwin, founder of My Death, My Decision
Humanist Heritage article on the history of humanist advocacy on assisted dying
Data on public support for assisted dying
Humanists UK’s assisted dying campaign page
My Death, My Decisions: a grassroots movement for assisted dying reform
Why might humanists object to faith schools? What arguments might they use?
What are humanist views on marriage, divorce, and bringing up children? Where do humanists stand on questions about sex and contraception?
Humanists UK reflection on the same-sex marriage act
Humanists UK’s campaign for legal recognition of humanist marriage
Humanist Heritage article on the history of humanist campaigning on reproductive rights
What do humanists think about organ donation, assisted conception, stem cell research, genetic engineering, and circumcision?
Jamie Theakston provides a humanist perspective on the new organ donation laws (video)
Humanists UK’s campaign for an opt-out organ donation system
What do humanists believe about freedom and equality? How does this impact their views on gender, race, sexuality, and religion or belief?
Download humanist perspective (includes perspectives on women’s equality, LGBT rights, challenging racism, and discrimination against the non-religious)
Humanists UK’s campaigns page on human rights and equality
Activity on John Rawls’ veil of ignorance
Humanist Heritage articles on women’s rights
Video of Humanists UK patron John Amaechi on anti-racism
Humanist Heritage article on the first Universal Races Congress
Humanist Heritage article on LGBT Humanists
Freedom of thought report – an annual survey on discrimination and persecution against non-religious people in countries around the world
Do humanists think war can ever be justified? Why might a humanist join the armed forces? How do humanists work for peace?
Interview with members of Defence Humanists
Interview with Defence Humanists patron and philosopher A C Grayling on war, its causes, its justifications, and how we might avoid it.
Humanist Heritage article on conscientious objection
Humanist Heritage article on the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament
What might motivate humanists to take action to combat poverty and inequality? How far do they believe our obligations stretch to support those in need?
Are there any humanist charities?
Peter Singer’s The Life You Can Save animation
Peter Singer’s The Life You Can Save animation (BBC Radio 4)
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