Café Inquiry (Online) – What Is a Humanist, Anyway?

This event is held online. (Click the button to join the Zoom meeting.)

Many of us here at Café Inquiry describe ourselves as Humanists – practitioners of Humanism. Café Inquiry is an event under the umbrella of Michigan Humanists. But what, exactly, do we mean by Humanism? If you describe yourself as a Humanist, what defines that term for you? Join us as we look at the history of Humanism and the different forms of modern Humanism. This text from a talk given under the auspices of the American Humanist Association gives a good overview of the different types of Humanism, with a look at the similarities and differences between Religious Humanism and Secular Humanism. Here is a Statement of Principles by the late Paul Kurtz of the Council for Secular Humanism. Do you agree with all, or most of them? What’s your definition of Humanism? Here is a link to a brief description of Evolutionary Humanism provided by the Giordano Bruno Foundation. If you want to learn more there is a video accompanying the description. If you’re interested, here are links to Humanist Manifesto I, from 1933, Humanist Manifesto II from 1973, and Humanist Manifesto III from 2003. Between II and III Paul Kurtz produced “A Secular Humanist Declaration”, in 1980. We hope to see you Thanksgiving Weekend for the discussion!

Café Inquiry starts with a short introduction of the day’s topic, followed by casual discussion.

This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.

Attendees are able to future propose topics which would align with Michigan Humanist’s purpose: from atheism, agnosticism, humanism, secularism, and freethinking to broader subjects in science and humanities, such as religion, philosophy, social issues, politics, evolution, morality, ethics, and psychology.

Café Inquiry (Grand Rapids) meets each month on the second and fourth Sunday.

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Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.

Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Critiques on views and claims based on merit are allowed, but not attacks on individuals who hold other perspectives.

Any person engaging in disruptive behavior or harassment will be asked to leave, and may be banned from future events pending the severity of the action. Please speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.