Humanism Now | Secular Ethics, Curiosity and Compassionate Change 45. Richard Norman on What is Humanism For?
“It’s on the basis of our shared humanity that we need to try to understand the world and think about how to live in it.”
Professor Richard Norman, philosopher and author of What Is Humanism For?, joins us to explore the enduring question at the heart of secular ethics. From his journey out of Christianity to his role shaping humanist thought in the UK, Richard shares why humanism matters, how it offers a coherent framework for living well, and why it must evolve to address urgent global challenges like climate change and artificial intelligence.
Topics we cover
✔︎ Defining humanism in plain language for all ages
✔︎ Why naturalism underpins humanist philosophy
✔︎ Core values, cooperation, compassion, justice, as products of our social nature
✔︎ Erich Fromm’s “frame of orientation and devotion” and its relevance today
✔︎ How shared values are replacing religion as social glue
✔︎ Climate change and AI as defining issues for future humanist engagement
✔︎ The role of dialogue with religious communities in building understanding
✔︎ Avoiding stereotypes while strengthening humanist identity
✔︎ Inspiring curiosity and critical thinking through school talks
Resources & references
- What Is Humanism For? – Richard Norman (2025)
- On Humanism – Richard Norman (2nd ed., 2012)
- Understanding Humanism – Andrew Copson, Luke Donnellan & Richard Norman (2022)
- Humanist Climate Action – https://humanists.uk/climate-action
- Humanists UK School Speakers Programme – Humanists UK https://humanists.uk/community/school-speakers
- The Sane Society – Erich Fromm (1955)
- “Values are the New Religion” – Linda Woodhead (Cadbury Lectures, University of Birmingham, 2021)
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Music: Blossom by Light Prism