humanism

[ hyoo-muh-niz-uh m or, often, yoo- ]
/ ˈhyu məˌnɪz əm or, often, ˈyu- /

noun

any system or mode of thought or action in which human interests, values, and dignity predominate.
devotion to or study of the humanities.
(sometimes initial capital letter) the studies, principles, or culture of the humanists.
Philosophy. a variety of ethical theory and practice that emphasizes reason, scientific inquiry, and human fulfillment in the natural world and often rejects the importance of belief in God.

Origin of humanism

First recorded in 1805–15; human + -ism

OTHER WORDS FROM humanism

an·ti·hu·man·ism, noun sem·i·hu·man·ism, noun

Words nearby humanism

human trafficking, human-interest story, humane, humane society, humanics, humanism, humanist, humanistic psychology, humanitarian, humanitarianism, humanities

British Dictionary definitions for antihumanism

humanism
/ (ˈhjuːməˌnɪzəm) /

noun

the denial of any power or moral value superior to that of humanity; the rejection of religion in favour of a belief in the advancement of humanity by its own efforts
a philosophical position that stresses the autonomy of human reason in contradistinction to the authority of the Church
(often capital) a cultural movement of the Renaissance, based on classical studies
interest in the welfare of people

Derived forms of humanism

humanist, noun humanistic, adjective