Humanism: An Introduction and Conceptual Understanding — A Study

Abstract

Humanism is a fundamental concept in human civilization, philosophy, religion, and literature, founded on the principles of human dignity, freedom, equality, love, tolerance, and justice. This paper presents a scholarly examination of the concept of humanism. It explores its literal and terminological meanings, its evolution from Greek philosophy through the Renaissance to modern Western thought, its foundations in various religions, particularly Islam, and its critical expression in literature. The study demonstrates that humanism is not merely an ethical doctrine but a comprehensive intellectual, cultural, and social system that advocates respect for human beings as human beings and the protection of their freedom, dignity, and fundamental rights. In the light of selected passages from the text under study, the paper establishes that the fundamental objective of humanism is the purification of the human self, the reform of society, and the creation of a humane society based on justice and equality.