Sociology Plus
Definition of Western Cultural Humanism
The term “Western Cultural Humanism” refers to the empirical and intellectual paradigm that had its roots primarily in classical Greece and Rome, developed throughout the course of European history, and today forms the backbone of the Western history of politics, ethics, scientific innovations, and law. The humanistic culture is a collection of ideals that focuses on basic human needs and looks for rational solutions to human issues rather than placing faith in God, miracles, or other supernatural beings.
Sociological Explanation
These humanist concepts evolved during the European historical eras of the Renaissance and Age of Enlightenment. It first gained popularity during the Renaissance, which lasted from the fourteenth to the seventeenth centuries, when it was realized that the sacred texts of established religions were not the only sources of inspiration and guidance for an ethical living but that ancient philosophers like Aristotle and writers could also serve in this capacity.
Western humanism envisions a rise in geometrical development and the capacity to appease human beings’ physiological and emotional aspects.
Law, fine arts, literary works, philosophy, governance, and science were all impacted by Western Cultural Humanism.
Humanist culture aims to study and explain human arts, actions, goals, ideals, and problems, whether they are disruptive or helpful. The application of human intellect assists in revealing the inner goodness of man. It advises humans to live so that human actions may make everyone happy.
The goals of humanist culture are to achieve justice, bring about peace and prosperity, and foster good human interactions. As a synthesis of philosophies, the humanist culture attempts to figure out a proper and comprehensive perspective of human nature and social structure, incorporating this understanding into efforts to live a more morally upstanding life. It aims to bring together the pieces of a vast universe of nature and man into a meaningful partnership.
The postmodernist notions of identity and language were crucial to cultural humanism.
The main characteristics of western cultural humanism are the pursuit of standards of life rather than beliefs of life and the battle for existence and the survival of the fittest. Another characteristic is that everything in the cosmos, including life, is made of matter and is subject to material laws.
Example
William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” features reflection, self-awareness, and thoughts on humanity.
Democracy, which gives people sovereignty over a nation rather than a king or queen, is an illustration of western cultural humanism. Western nations were behind the origin and spread of democracy.