The American Humanist Association (AHA) defines Humanism as “a progressive philosophy of life that, without supernaturalism, affirms our ability and responsibility to lead ethical lives of personal fulfillment that aspire to the greater good of humanity.”

This statement comes from the preamble to the 2003 document “Humanist Manifesto III: Humanism and its Aspirations.” This brief (one page) Manifesto appears in full on the Humanist Chaplaincy’s website, and all are encouraged to study it as arguably the best short statement of the values and ethical ideals of contemporary Humanism. That it is the third and by no means last in a series of definitions of Humanism published by the AHA beginning in 1933 is a testament to Humanism as an evolving tradition, not bogged down in dogma but rather responsive and responsible to new knowledge and human experience.

Still, the question “what is Humanism?” has been asked many times and answered in many ways. As with any important philosophical question, all written answers will have their strengths and weaknesses.

During the 2006-7 and 2007-8 academic year and beyond, the Harvard community along with Humanist Chaplain Greg M. Epstein will be working out our own series of responses to this question. You are warmly invited to attend our lectures, seminars, and discussions, and comment on Greg’s blog at the Newsweek magazine/Washington Post site “On Faith.” We hope you will not only learn about but also help shape the answers we will be working towards.

For now, please enjoy these links to some of the best introductory materials already available on other leading Humanist-related websites.

A ten word (plus) introduction to Humanism, from our friends at the Continuum of Humanist Education (COHE).
COHE’s Primer on the History, Philosophy, and Goals of Humanism:

Part I: Brief History of Humanism
Part II: Contemporary Humanist Philosophy (Lifestance Humanism)

And more on the question “what is Humanism?” from the American Humanist Association.