There is no one universally accepted definition of humanism. In fact, many humanists don’t fully agree on just what humanism is . . . A worldview? A movement? A philosophy, system of thought, set of beliefs? The values of Austin Humanist Community can be found here. Still, there are basic tenets that most humanists would agree make up humanism. These include a reliance on human agency, evidence-based beliefs, and compassion toward others.
According to the Oxford-English Dictionary:
Humanism is an outlook or system of thought attaching prime importance to human rather than divine or supernatural matters. Humanist beliefs stress the potential value and goodness of human beings, emphasize common human needs, and seek solely rational ways of solving human problems.
According to the American Humanist Association:
Humanism is a progressive philosophy of life that, without theism or other supernatural beliefs, affirms our ability and responsibility to lead ethical lives of personal fulfillment that aspire to the greater good.
According to Humanists International:
Humanism is a democratic and ethical lifestance which affirms that human beings have the right and responsibility to give meaning and shape to their own lives. It stands for the building of a more humane society through an ethics based on human and other natural values in a spirit of reason and free inquiry through human capabilities. It is not theistic, and it does not accept supernatural views of reality.