Comments for northkent.humanist.org.uk

Comment on Contact Us by admin

admin — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 17:17:50 +0000

Dear Lee,

Initially I invite you to add your details to the form found on http://northkent.humanist.org.uk/join-us/

Alan

Comment on Contact Us by Lee Smith

Lee Smith — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 21:05:13 +0000

Hi – didn’t know this group existed. Fan of Hawkins, Harris, Hitchens and Dennett. Atheist and proud of it. Member of BHA. What does getting involved really mean? I ask that politely. Thanks

Comment on Humanist Politics? by admin

admin — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 13:47:09 +0000

Definition of Politics source: http://www.brainyquote.com/words/po/politics204495.html

Comment on Humanist Politics? by admin

admin — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 16:46:04 +0000

Mike, thank you for your comment. I consider that it falls into three parts, each worthy of its own discussion. There will be seperate pages posted on the Forum regarding your points on religion and elitism.

The definition of politics: – “The science of government; that part of ethics which has to do with the regulation and government of a nation or state, the preservation of its safety, peace, and prosperity, the defense of its existence and rights against foreign control or conquest, the augmentation of its strength and resources, and the protection of its citizens in their rights, with the preservation and improvement of their morals.” – Can you please give the source for this definition?

From what I read in this I see nothing incompatible with Humanism and deepening the discussion of the relationship between them. Not wishing to flood the Forum with endless pages I do think, however, that a discussion on the definition of Humanism is needed and will add a page.

I am inclined to say that Humanism and Politics have a shared interest in human sciences; discussion of party politics can be problematic. I like the way the TED talk shows these as coming from our differing needs as humans.

Comment on Humanist Politics? by Mike Dendor

Mike Dendor — Sat, 21 Jul 2012 09:10:54 +0000

First thoughts:
Purpose of All-Party Parliamentary Humanist Group – “To bring together non-religious MPs and Peers to discuss matters of shared interest” – note the “non-religious” part – why? Yet again, so-called humanists show a lack of tolerance towards moderates that use religion as a moral compass but without harming anyone and with an open mind – an attribute that this group obviously does not have – the TED talk makes this point about religion – there is no problem in someone following a value and belief system that helps them to get through life as long as they do not use it as an excuse to belittle or harm others – humanist is a word that I like but I do NOT like the way the word has been hijacked by a bunch of elitists that show a LACK of tolerance to others – I am an atheist myself but I completely understand people that use their faith to help them lead a humanist life – why cut them off from us!!
The definition of politics: – “The science of government; that part of ethics which has to do with the regulation and government of a nation or state, the preservation of its safety, peace, and prosperity, the defense of its existence and rights against foreign control or conquest, the augmentation of its strength and resources, and the protection of its citizens in their rights, with the preservation and improvement of their morals.”
- ALL CITIZENS, NOT JUST THOSE THAT THINK THEY ARE BETTER THAN EVERYONE ELSE – as the TED talk emphasises, it is all a matter of balance or ying and yang and a matter of people with different value and belief systems understanding each other, NOT shutting themselves off from each other and foregoing the arrogance to say that they are the “right” ones and that includes s0-called humanists
- having said that, no value or belief system should have a specific privilege within politics or government, again including humanists – down with elitism, whether it be academic, value and belief systems, morals, ethics!! We can ALL learn from each other.

Comment on Humanist Economics? by John Little

John Little — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 17:53:56 +0000

This was a lively and enjoyable discussion.

The short video on monkey behaviour and the insights it gave into human economics were interesting. It was also useful to hear the potential impact of inequality over a range of factors within society from the video featuring Richard Wilkinson (who wrote “The Spirit Level”).