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American Humanist Association

Advocating progressive values and equality for humanists, atheists, and freethinkers

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      For over 80 years, the AHA has proudly served as the leading progressive voice in America on behalf of humanists, atheists, agnostics, and freethinkers.

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      We are committed to building an inclusive America grounded in an embrace of reason, ethics, scientific inquiry, and compassion- rather than religious dogma.

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Are You Humanist?

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Humanism is a progressive philosophy of life that, without theism or other supernatural beliefs, affirms our ability and responsibility to lead ethical lives of personal fulfillment that aspire to the greater good.

Whether you’re doing research, exploring a personal philosophy, or are simply curious about humanism, the resources here are a great place to start:

Explanations of Humanism

  • Humanism and Its Aspirations: Humanist Manifesto III is the latest articulation of what it means to be a humanist
  • Definitions of Humanism
  • What is Humanism? by Fred Edwords
  • The Humanist Philosophy in Perspective by Fred Edwords
  • Famous Humanists in History

Humanist Essays

Living the Humanist Life

  • The Promise of Humanism by Fred Edwords
  • Positive Humanism by Gerald A. Larue
  • Ancient Stoicism and Rational Psychology by Fred Edwords
  • Why Was I Born? A Humanistic View of Life by Lyle L. Simpson

Humanism and Traditional Religion

  • Paths to Humanism from Traditional Religion
  • Some Reasons Why Humanists Reject The Bible by Joseph C. Sommer
  • Dealing with “Scientific” Creationism by Fred Edwords
  • Question of Evil Remains Unanswered by David B. McCalmont
  • I Was an Atheist in a Foxhole by Philip Paulson
  • Why Intelligent Design is Not Science by Abby Hafer (shared with permission by the author)

The History of Humanism

  • Humanist Manifesto I
  • Humanist Manifesto II
  • The Saga of Freethought and Its Pioneers: Religious Critique and Social Reform by Fred Edwords
  • The Humanist Special Collection at Meadville Lombard: Archival materials that document the growth and impact of humanism within both Unitarian Universalism and the larger world.

Philosophical Questions

  • The Human Basis of Laws and Ethics by Fred Edwords
  • Is the War Between Science and Religion Over? by Norman F. Hall and Lucia K. B. Hall

Ideas for Advancing Humanism

  • Living on the Creative Edge of Our Culture by Tony Hileman
  • Myth and Symbol in the Pattern of Truth by Fred Edwords
  • Humanism Unmodified by Edd Doerr
  • Humanism with a Capital H by Harvey Lebrun

Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

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March 14, 2023 Featured, Press Releases

AHA Launches Registration for First In-Person Annual Conference in Three Years

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March 6, 2023 Featured, Press Releases

American Humanist Association Statement on the Supreme Court Refusing to Hear Case of Ocala, Florida, Prayer Vigil

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American Humanist Association
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