
What we’re about
The focus of this meetup site is critical philosophy and various forms of secular humanism. It includes articles, discussions, and information on meetings dealing with the subject of humanism as a perspective on reality and life.
We hold occasional discussion groups that focus on the ideas and principles underlying the secular, humanist perspective. This will be an opportunity for those interested in humanism to meet other individuals with similar interests, to learn more about humanism, and to share your ideas about humanism as a philosophy of life.
A View of Humanism: Humanity Without Crutches
Recently I have had several people express curiosity about humanism. “What is humanism?” they ask. Off course, there’s a great deal of information available on the internet. Any search engine will turn up detailed information on and definitions of humanism. There are many websites dedicated to a variety of humanistic organizations. A few include the American Humanist Association,Corliss Lamont Website, and Paul Kurtz’s Council for Secular Humanism site. People who call themselves humanists come in a range of variety, from the secular humanist who is often an agnostic or atheist to the more inclusive type of humanist, such as many in the Unitarian Church, which even includes believers in some form of deity. The internet even gives you access to ‘Humanist Manifestos,’ of which my favorite is the first one composed in 1933. However, It refers to humanism as a religion, which many of us contemporary humanists would deny.
Because of the great amount of information floating about in the net on humanism, much of which might be confusing to someone trying to learn just a few basics about humanism, I have tried to summarize my view of humanism. Hopefully, this will not add to the reader’s confusion.
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HUMANISM:
Humanism is simply a general philosophy of life which focuses on human reality and bases knowledge of our world on reason and the methods of science. In most forms, it rejects the theism of the major religions (belief in a deity who plays an active role in human life) and supernaturalism, or the belief in an otherworld, a reality separate from the natural reality, the world disclosed by science, ordinary experience and rational inquiry.
Some general points of this view of humanism include the following:
• humans are on their own; i.e., they build their world for better or worse, without any reliance on deities or the supernatural; and
• we gain knowledge of our world and our existence by our experience, use of reason, and use of scientific methods;
• such knowledge informs us that we have evolved into somewhat-intelligent, somewhat-rational beings in a physical environment, a world partly brought about by natural, evolutionary processes and partly created by cultural and historical processes.
• we lack knowledge of “supernatural realm”, including all gods, angels, or demons of much traditional religious culture.
Historically, humanistic thought focused on human reality instead of realm of God and theology.
• It dealt with human achievement, the sciences and the arts, human society and secular values.
• It left “other worldly” concerns to the churchmen, theologians, mystics and astrologers.
• The precursors of modern science: rationalism (the view that the human mind alone, without divine assistance, can discover truth) and empiricism (the view that careful observation and study of nature are the ways of learning about our world) involved elements of a naturalistic, humanistic philosophy.
Generally, humanism implies a secular, naturalistic perspective on reality:
• It focuses on this life: on happiness, fulfillment and meaning to be found in this life, not in some other-worldly paradise.
“Critical Humanism” or “Rational Humanism” implies a philosophy of critical thought that aims to explain reality, human reality and experience on the basis of reason, factual evidence, and scientific method, and not on the basis of religious faith or ancient scriptures.
Humanistic moral values include the following:
• Intellectual honesty – search for truth and understanding within a rational context;
• Concern with justice and fairness – moral imperatives that respect the value and dignity of human individuals;
• Moral evaluation of actions and policies based on the consequences of those actions; e.g. Utilitarian principles such as greatest happiness for the greatest number as a way of working to minimize suffering, hunger, deprivation and the disparity between rich and poor;
• Personal happiness by way of continuous striving, progress and achievement.
Humanity within a natural context . . . That’s all we have; that’s all we can really know.
The reality that we (human beings) can know and experience is comprised of the
natural realm, featuring natural processes, disclosed by physics, chemistry, geology and astronomy; the evolution of life and higher intelligence on this planet; the workings of the brain and the emergence of minds; the micro-universe disclosed by quantum physics, and so on;
and the cultural/social realm, a world brought about by human work, human thinking, historical and cultural processes.
This includes science, technology, engineering, the arts, literature, philosophies, religions, god(s), political states, governments, war, social institutions, laws, conventions, moralities, myths, legends, so on & so on….
This reality (created by human culture) also includes all “religious products” of human thought, work and experience (including mystical experience): religious doctrines, holy scriptures, so called “divine revelation,” and even the deity himself along with all other deities found in countless religious cultures.
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The Irvine Ranch Water District neither supports nor endorses the cases or activities of organizations which use the district's meeting rooms that are made available as a public service.
Upcoming events (2)
See all- [Partner Event] Braver Angels Challenging Red Blue Myths & StereotypesIrvine Ranch Water District Community Meeting Room, Irvine, CA
Let's join our friends at Braver Angels.
NOTE THAT THIS EVENT IS IN-PERSON ONLY!
Must Reg **HERE **on Eventbrite to track RSVPs, space is limited.In a time of deep political polarization, it's easy to fall into the trap of assuming the worst about "the other side." This event invites people from across the political spectrum to come together for an honest, respectful conversation that aims to challenge common stereotypes, uncover shared values, and promote understanding—not conversion.
Hosted in the spirit of curiosity over combat, the discussion will explore the myths we carry about people with opposing political views and offer space for participants to listen, reflect, and speak openly without fear of judgment.
Whether you lean red, blue, or somewhere in between, you're welcome.
Come with curiosity. Leave with perspective.Location:
If you are new to this location please use this map link or you will get lost. We are not at the main IRWD office but the adjacent Community Room Building attached to the Clinic. Google maps gets you close but does not help you find the front doors.The IRWD Community Meeting Room* addr is 15500 Sand Canyon Ave., Irvine. Here is the map link.
IRWD Community Meeting Room* Map https://bit.ly/ocddirwd1
Feel free to bring your dinner or snacks. Come early to grab a table spot. Full kitchen with frig and microwave available if needed.
Questions? PM me on Meetup or find me on LinkedIn
*“Irvine Ranch Water District makes its facilities available for use by residents and nonprofit organizations merely as a public service, but does not, by allowing this use, endorse or support the purpose of the event or its sponsor.”
** This event is open to the media upon approval. Send requests to press@braverangels.org - [Partner Event] Braver Reflections on Church-State SeparationLink visible for attendees
The Orange County Chapter of Americans United for Separation of Church and State welcomes you for a special event introducing Braver Angels, a national organization dedicated to bridging political and ideological divides through respectful, structured dialogue.
Zoom Reg HERE
After introducing Braver Angels, we will highlight a recent Braver Angels event that explored the complex and often deeply personal topic of church-state separation. Participants engaged in a thoughtful, cross-partisan discussion.
This event will showcase how civic dialogue can build understanding across differences, even on issues that strike at the heart of personal identity and constitutional principles. Attendees will learn more about the Braver Angels model and how it can complement Americans United’s mission by promoting civil engagement and respectful disagreement.
Whether you’re a longtime supporter of church-state separation, someone of deep faith, or simply curious about how we can better talk across divides—this event offers a hopeful look at how we can bridge our differences without compromising our convictions.
Meet our guest speakers.
Nick Straub was born in Fallbrook, CA, and has lived in San Diego county his whole life. He got his bachelor's degree in philosophy at the University of California San Diego, and, after some serious soul searching, he decided to pursue a career in ministry. He has worked at the San Diego Rescue Mission (a non-profit that runs homeless shelters and oversees a program that helps people rehabilitate their lives), chaplained at Scripps Mercy Hospital, and is currently pursuing a Masters of Divinity at the Franciscan School of Theology at the University of San Diego. His faith is the foundation of his life, and he believes God speaks through all people and all cultures – we just need the courage to seek. As such, he is passionate about bridging divides and helping people see their common humanity which is why he joined Braver Angels and helps to organize his local inter-faith dialogues.
Alden Moss was born and raised Catholic in Portland, Oregon by two parents who converted to the faith before he was born. He studied bioengineering and obtained a Bachelors Degree from Oregon State University followed by a PhD from the UC Berkeley-UCSF Graduate Program in Bioengineering. Throughout his studies, he has been involved in Catholic campus ministry, having grown deeper in his faith during his college years. After moving to San Diego for work over two years ago, he began to grapple with how his faith and politics fit together in an increasingly polarized America after seeing that a majority of young adult Catholics in San Diego endorsed political views starkly different than his own. Since then, he feels like he has been a person living in two different worlds and has had a strong desire to unify those two worlds. He has come to believe that political polarization is the number one problem in America and that we can’t solve any other problems until we make progress on this issue. He also believes it is a moral issue when people are hating their neighbors. This is what inspired him to spearhead the Interfaith Dialogues with Braver Angels and the And Campaign.
Come ready to listen, learn, and engage.
Questions? PM me on Meetup or find me on LinkedIn