Humanist Values
A Living Ethic of Dignity, Inquiry, Justice, and Solidarity
Humanist Values affirm the inherent dignity and shared responsibility of all people, grounded in reason, compassion, and the pursuit of knowledge. These values reject supernatural authority and dogma, instead centering ethical action, human rights, and the wellbeing of both people and planet. Humanist values are universal in scope, democratic in spirit, and committed to a peaceful, equitable, and sustainable world.
Core Humanist Values for The Free HuMAN School
1 Dignity and Equality of All People
◦ Every human being possesses equal worth, regardless of race, gender, nationality, class, ability, religion, or belief system.
◦ Human rights are universal, non-negotiable, and interconnected.
2 Education as a Universal Right
◦ Education must be free, accessible, and liberatory—empowering people to think critically, act ethically, and contribute meaningfully to society.
◦ Lifelong learning, curiosity, and intellectual honesty are core to human growth.
3 Gender Equality and LGBTQ+ Inclusion
◦ Full gender equality is non-negotiable in every sphere—political, economic, cultural, and personal.
◦ All gender identities and sexual orientations are worthy of respect, protection, and celebration.
4 Peace and Nonviolence
◦ Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice.
◦ Humanists reject war, oppression, and violence as solutions, seeking instead reconciliation, diplomacy, and transformative justice.
5 Critical Thinking and Open Inquiry
◦ Knowledge arises through evidence, dialogue, and questioning—not authority or tradition.
◦ Students are encouraged to challenge assumptions, including their own.
6 Compassion and Mutual Aid
◦ Society thrives through cooperation, empathy, and care.
◦ Helping others is not charity—it is solidarity.
7 Secular Ethics and Responsibility
◦ Morality comes from our shared humanity and the consequences of our actions.
◦ We are accountable to each other and to future generations.
8 Global Justice and Solidarity
◦ No one is free until everyone is free.
◦ We are responsible for the wellbeing of people everywhere—not just in our own communities or nations.
9 Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability
◦ The Earth is a shared home to be protected, not exploited.
◦ Technology and policy must serve both people and planet.
10 Freedom of Belief, Expression, and Identity
• Every individual has the right to explore and express their beliefs, identity, and creativity without fear.
• Human diversity is a strength to be cherished.
11 Democratic Participation and Accountability
• Power must rest with the people and be exercised with transparency, fairness, and justice.
• Institutions should serve the public good—not private interest.
12 Creativity, Arts, and Self-Expression
• Human flourishing includes the freedom to create, imagine, tell stories, and express beauty in many forms.
• Culture and art are vital to resistance, healing, and hope.
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Humanist Values
Working definition for The Free HuMAN School
Humanist Values are ethical principles that center human dignity, reason, and compassion. They emphasize the importance of individual freedom, collective responsibility, and the pursuit of knowledge, equity, and justice—without reliance on supernatural beliefs. These values guide both personal conduct and societal organization toward the flourishing of all people and the planet.
Core Components of Humanist Values
1 Dignity of All People
◦ Every person has inherent worth, regardless of race, gender, nationality, religion, ability, or class.
◦ Human rights are universal and indivisible.
2 Critical Thinking and Reason
◦ Knowledge should be grounded in evidence, logic, and open inquiry.
◦ Truth emerges through dialogue, science, and free thought—not dogma.
3 Compassion and Mutual Aid
◦ Empathy and cooperation are vital for human survival and well-being.
◦ Society must support its most vulnerable members.
4 Secular Ethics
◦ Morality arises from human needs and consequences—not divine command.
◦ Ethics evolve through democratic discourse, not religious authority.
5 Social Justice
◦ Fight inequality in all forms: economic, racial, gender-based, and ecological.
◦ Commit to dismantling systems of oppression and redistributing power fairly.
6 Freedom of Belief and Expression
◦ Every person has the right to their own worldview—religious or not—without fear of coercion or persecution.
◦ Education and speech must be free, inclusive, and constructive.
7 Global Solidarity
◦ All humans share a common fate on a fragile planet.
◦ National borders must never justify indifference to suffering elsewhere.
8 Sustainability and Stewardship
◦ We have a duty to preserve the Earth for future generations.
◦ Technological and social innovation should serve ecological balance and human need.
9 Democratic Participation
◦ Power must be accountable to the people.
◦ Decisions should be made through fair, inclusive, and transparent processes.
10 Self-Expression and Creativity
◦ Human flourishing includes the arts, storytelling, and the freedom to explore identity and culture.
Would you like to:
• Add values related to education, gender equality, or nonviolence?
• Tailor the wording for a student handbook, mission statement, or public website?
• Collaboratively create a “HuMAN Values Pledge” for students and teachers?
Let’s refine this together based on your vision.
You said:
please add values related to education, gender equality, and peace
ChatGPT said:
Absolutely—here is a revised and expanded definition of Humanist Values, now including strong affirmations of education, gender equality, and peace, fully aligned with your global, justice-centered educational mission at The Free HuMAN School.