Atheism vs. Humanism

(narrowly) Belief that no deities exist (sometimes including rejection of other religious beliefs).

(broadly) Rejection of belief that any deities exist (with or without a belief that no deities exist).

(very broadly) Absence of belief that any deities exist (including absence of the concept of deities).

(historical) Absence of belief in a particular deity, pantheon, or religious doctrine (notwithstanding belief in other deities).

The disbelief or denial of the existence of a God, or supreme intelligent Being.

Example: ‘Atheism is a ferocious system, that leaves nothing above us to excite awe, nor around us to awaken tenderness.’; ‘Atheism and pantheism are often wrongly confounded.’;

Godlessness.

the doctrine or belief that there is no God

a lack of belief in the existence of God or gods

disbelief or lack of belief in the existence of God or gods.

Atheism, in the broadest sense, is an absence of belief in the existence of deities. Less broadly, atheism is a rejection of the belief that any deities exist.

The study of the humanities or the liberal arts; literary (especially classical) scholarship.

Specifically, a cultural and intellectual movement in 14th-16th century Europe characterised by attention to classical culture and a promotion of vernacular texts, notably during the Renaissance.

An ethical system that centers on humans and their values, needs, interests, abilities, dignity and freedom; especially used for a secular one which rejects theistic religion and superstition.

Humanitarianism, philanthropy.

Human nature or disposition; humanity.

Example: ‘[She] looked almost like a being who had rejected with indifference the attitude of sex for the loftier quality of abstract humanism.’;

The study of the humanities; polite learning.

A doctrine or ethical point of view that emphasizes the dignity and worth of individual people, rejects claims of supernatural influences on humans, and stresses the need for people to achieve improvement of society and self-fulfillment through reason and to develop human-oriented ethical values without theism.

the doctrine that people's duty is to promote human welfare

the doctrine emphasizing a person's capacity for self-realization through reason; rejects religion and the supernatural

the cultural movement of the Renaissance; based on classical studies

Humanism is a philosophical stance that emphasizes the potential and agency of human beings, individually and socially. It considers human beings as the starting point for serious moral and philosophical inquiry.