I agree with your three premises. However, I would recommend using a different term than “humanism”.
Humanism is more than just the broad set of values you described. It is also a specific movement with more specific values. See for example the latest humanist manifesto. I agree with what you described as “humanism” but strongly reject the label humanist because I do not agree with the other baggage that goes with it. If possible, try to come up with a term that directly states the value you are describing. Perhaps something along the lines of “human flourishing as the standard of value”?
As someone who believes in moral error theory, I have problems with the moral language (“responsibility to lead ethical lives of personal fulfillment”, “Ethical values are derived from human need and interest as tested by experience.”).
I don’t think that “Life’s fulfillment emerges from individual participation in the service of humane ideals” or “Working to benefit society maximizes individual happiness.” Rather I would say some people find some fulfillment in those things.
I am vehemently opposed to the deathist language of “finding wonder and awe in the joys and beauties of human existence, its challenges and tragedies, and even in the inevitability and finality of death.” Death is bad and should not be accepted.
I assume there are other things I would disagree with, but those are a few that stand out when skimming it.
I agree with your three premises. However, I would recommend using a different term than “humanism”.
Humanism is more than just the broad set of values you described. It is also a specific movement with more specific values. See for example the latest humanist manifesto. I agree with what you described as “humanism” but strongly reject the label humanist because I do not agree with the other baggage that goes with it. If possible, try to come up with a term that directly states the value you are describing. Perhaps something along the lines of “human flourishing as the standard of value”?
Do you disagree with something in
Or is the baggage found elsewhere?
As someone who believes in moral error theory, I have problems with the moral language (“responsibility to lead ethical lives of personal fulfillment”, “Ethical values are derived from human need and interest as tested by experience.”).
I don’t think that “Life’s fulfillment emerges from individual participation in the service of humane ideals” or “Working to benefit society maximizes individual happiness.” Rather I would say some people find some fulfillment in those things.
I am vehemently opposed to the deathist language of “finding wonder and awe in the joys and beauties of human existence, its challenges and tragedies, and even in the inevitability and finality of death.” Death is bad and should not be accepted.
I assume there are other things I would disagree with, but those are a few that stand out when skimming it.
Thanks. Yeah, it’s an overloaded term: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humanism_(disambiguation)