Virtual Visitor! Year 8 Humanism
Throughout the term so far, Year 8 have started to explore ultimate questions, such as ‘what does it mean to be human?’
Within the lessons, we have held debates that delved deep into these philosophical questions, but this week Year 8 have had the opportunity to ask a humanist how they may respond to life’s ultimate questions.
Humanism is a non-religious approach to life that is found throughout time and across the world in many different cultures. Roughly speaking, the word humanist has come to mean someone who:
-
trusts to the scientific method when it comes to understanding how the universe works and rejects the idea of the supernatural (and is therefore an atheist or agnostic);
-
makes their ethical decisions based on reason, empathy and a concern for human beings and other sentient animals;
-
believes in the absence of an afterlife and any discernible purpose to the universe;
-
human beings can act to give their own lives, meaning they seeking happiness in this life and help others to do the same.
Through the virtual lecture, Year 8s were taught the fundamental beliefs of humanism and discussed how it is similar and different to religions. At the end of the presentation, students were able to ask any questions to Keith, the Humanist representative.
More can be found about Humanism here: https://humanism.org.uk/humanism/ https://lancashire.humanist.org.uk/
