Humanism and Meaning

Humanism and Meaning

Multiple Choice

Aristotle believed that a happy life is best described as...

• successful

• full of friendships

• flourishing

• tranquil

Fill in the Blanks

What is the greek word Aristotle used for 'flourishing'?

Multiple Choice

Epicurus believed that a happy life is best described as...

• successful

• full of friendships

• flourishing

• tranquil

Fill in the Blanks

What is the greek word Epicurus used for 'tranquil'?

For a humanist there is no single meaning of life

• The universe has no ultimate direction or purpose.

• Meaning is not something out there waiting to be discovered.

• Meaning is something that we create.

• We give meaning to our experience and find fulfilment in what we do in our lives.

James Hemming

- President of the British Humanist Association (1909-2007).

"The meaning of life is to live it as wholly as we can, as abundantly as we can, as bravely as we can, here and now, sharing the experience with others, caring for others as we care for ourselves, and accepting our responsibility for leaving the world better than we found it."

Eleanor Roosevelt

- First Lady and Activist (1884-1962)

"The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience."

Zadie Smith

- Writer (1975-)

"The world does not deliver meaning to you. You have to make it meaningful...and decide what you want and need and must do. It’s a tough, unimaginably lonely and complicated way to be in the world. But that’s the deal..."

Open Ended

What are your thoughts on the humanist view about the meaning of life?

Open Ended

In what ways do you think the humanist view about the meaning of life differs from other, religious, worldviews? Think through what you know about Christianity, Judaism, and Hinduism.

To what extent do you agree? Explain your view.

Open Ended

"The meaning of life is what you make it."

Explain this humanist view and reasons in favour of it.

Open Ended

"The meaning of life is what you make it."

Explain reasons against this humanist view.

Open Ended

"The meaning of life is what you make it."

Explain your own view on this quote and your reasons.