Values in Harmony - University of St Andrews

It is the Humanist view that the study of life on our planet, and our relationship with it, can anddoes provide rational and acceptable answers to questions about our origins and existence.Rites of Passage arise for all of us as we progress through life and one of the core functionsof The Humanist Society of Scotland is to provide trained and experienced Celebrantsfor those who want a meaningful, non-religious way to mark life’s special occasions. Ourceremonies include those for baby & child naming, coming-of-age, weddings, commitments/affirmations, partnerships, funerals and memorials which are entirely secular in content. Ouraim is to always provide a ceremony which is highly personal, moving and memorable.Within Scottish Society, and everywhere, we wish to support and provide a voice for thosewho share, or are attracted by our ethos.Humanism is an international movement: The Humanist Declaration follows :The Humanist Declaration(As adopted at the World Humanist Congress in The Netherlands in 2002 CE)Humanism, the outcome of a long tradition of free thought, has inspired many ofthe world’s great thinkers and creative artists and gave rise to science itself. Thefundamentals of modern Humanism are as follows:1. Humanism . . . is ethical. It affirms the worth, dignity and autonomy of theindividual and the right of every human being to the greatest possible freedomcompatible with the rights of others. Humanists have a duty of care to all ofhumanity, including future generations. Humanists believe that morality is anintrinsic part of human nature based on understanding and a concern for others,needing no external sanction.2. Humanism . . . is rational. It seeks to use science creatively, not destructively.Humanists believe that the solutions to the world’s problems lie in thought andaction rather than divine intervention. Humanism advocates the application ofthe methods of science and free inquiry to the problems of human welfare. ButHumanists also believe that the application of science and technology must betempered by human values. Science gives us the means, but human valuesmust decide the ends.3. Humanism . . . supports democracy and human rights. Humanism aims atthe fullest possible development of every human being. It holds that democracyand human development are matters of right. The principles of democracy andhuman rights can be applied to many human relationships and are not restrictedto methods of government.47