Human flourishing as ethical goal

What it is: Secular humanism frequently treats human flourishing as an important ethical horizon.

How the position understands it: Health, freedom, education, bonds, culture, creativity, safety, and civic participation compose conditions for fuller lives.

Basis and context: The idea dialogues with eudaimonia, human capabilities, critical positive psychology, and contemporary social ethics.

Debates and variations: There is disagreement about which indicators define flourishing and how to balance individual and community.

Supportive

Carl Rogers, On Becoming a Person

secular-humanism,rogers,psychology,development

A humanist reference on personal development and authenticity.

Reference: Carl Rogers, On Becoming a Person.
Content: Rogers highlights human growth, authenticity, listening, and the conditions for healthy development.
Use in debate: It is useful for human flourishing and the practical dignity of the person.

Erich Fromm, Man for Himself

secular-humanism,fromm,ethics,flourishing

Humanist ethics and personal responsibility.

Reference: Erich Fromm, Man for Himself.
Content: The author sets out a humanist ethics based on self-realization, responsibility, and a productive orientation of life.
Use in debate: It is an important source for secular morality and human flourishing.

Martha Nussbaum and the capabilities approach

secular-humanism,nussbaum,capabilities,flourishing

An important reference for dignity and human flourishing.

Reference: Martha Nussbaum's works on capabilities and justice.
Content: Nussbaum develops a vision of dignity and human flourishing tied to concrete conditions for a good life.
Use in debate: It is a relevant source for human dignity and ethical flourishing.