Freethinkers' Forum: Can humans actually solve our problems?

Discussion prompt:
Secular humanism is a fundamentally optimistic worldview. It affirms that, through cooperation, reason, science, and evidence-based policy, humans can solve the problems we face — from injustice and inequality to climate change and global conflict. Humanism places trust in our collective ability to build a better world.

But is that optimism justified?

The challenges we face are enormous. The tragedy of the commons makes it difficult for societies to act in the long-term interest of humanity. The climate crisis continues to worsen despite decades of warnings. Rights once won are now under attack. We are living through a backlash against progress — against democracy, secularism, and equality.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. famously said, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” But humanists know that the arc doesn’t bend on its own. We have to bend it. And maybe we won’t succeed...

So, let’s discuss:

• What justifies humanist optimism that we can solve our problems?
• Is there evidence that humanity is making meaningful progress?
• How do we reconcile our values with the real possibility of failure — especially on existential threats like climate change or democratic backsliding?
• Can we remain committed to hope and action even in the absence of guarantees?

Do you believe that humans can solve our problems — and if so, why? If not, what does that mean for a humanist approach to life and ethics?

***All participants are asked to familiarize themselves with and agree to follow our code of conduct.

About the group:
The Freethinkers' Forum is a monthly gathering facilitated by the Secular Humanist of the Lowcountry to discuss topics of interest to freethinkers, atheists, agnostics and other non-religious people. The purpose of these gatherings is to foster respectful dialogue of interesting and intellectually stimulating topics. The focus is discussion and so we will not have speakers. We may have brief presentations to introduce topics, but those will be restricted to 15 minutes or less. There may be optional readings or television or film recommendations to stimulate discussion.