Amsterdam Declaration

The Amsterdam Declaration 2002 is a declaration of fundamental principles of non-religious humanism, which unanimously by the General Assembly of the International Humanist and Ethical Union ( IHEU ) at the 15th World Humanist Congress (World Humanist Congress ) for the 50th anniversary of the first Congress of the IHEU decided been. After the IHEU is the declaration, " the official account of the world - humanism ". It is supported by all member organizations.

In the English Declaration, the terms Humanist and Humanism in contrast to the usual lower case of nouns in English are generally capitalized and used free property.

Content of the declaration

The basic principles of modern humanism are the According to the statement:

  • Humanism is ethical. It reaffirms the value, the dignity and autonomy of the individual and the right of everyone to the greatest possible freedom compatible with the rights of others. Humanists have a duty of care to all of humanity, including future generations. Humanists believe that moral human nature is inherent and is based on the understanding and concern for others, without the need for external sanctions.
  • Humanism is rational. He tries creative and not destructive to use science. Humanists believe that the solutions are to the problems of the world in human thought and action, rather than in divine intervention. Humanists advocate the use of scientific methods and free inquiry to the problems of human welfare. But Humanists also believe that the application of science and technology must be tempered by human values ​​. Science gives us the means but human values ​​must specify the objectives.
  • Humanism supports democracy and human rights. Humanism aims at the best possible development of every human being. It assumes that democracy and human development are a matter of law. The principles of democracy and human rights can be applied to many human relationships and are not restricted to methods of government.
  • Humanism insists that personal liberty must be combined with social responsibility. Humanism ventures to build a world on the idea of ​​socially responsible free people, and recognizes our dependence on and responsibility to the natural world. Humanism is undogmatic, imposing no creed upon its adherents. It is therefore the obligation of free education indoctrination.
  • Humanism is a response to the widespread demand for an alternative to dogmatic religion. The world's major religions claim that they were based on revelations fixed stood for eternity, and many seek the whole of humanity to bear their worldview. Humanism recognizes that reliable knowledge about the world and ourselves arises through a continuing process of observation, evaluation and review.
  • Humanism advocates artistic creativity and imagination and recognizes the transformative power of art to. Humanism affirms the importance of literature, music and the visual and performing arts for personal development and fulfillment.
  • Humanism is a way of life that aims at the greatest possible fulfillment through the cultivation of ethical and creative living and offers an ethical and rational method to address the challenges of our time. Humanism can be a way of life for everyone everywhere.

History

At the first World Humanist Congress in the Netherlands 1952, the General Assembly of the IHEU decided a declaration of the fundamental principles of modern humanism: the Amsterdam Declaration.

At the 50th annual World Humanist Congress 2002, the General Assembly of the IHEU unanimously decided an updated version: the " Amsterdam Declaration" of 2002.

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