Humanism: An Introduction

Overview

Humanism is an increasingly popular non-religious perspective on life. Humanism, as campaigned for by organisations such as the American Humanist Association, Humanists UK and Humanists International, involves a rejection of religion and belief in God, but also argues positively for, among other things: 

  • Political secularism and an end to religious privilege (the state should be neutral regarding religion, and protects all our rights equally);
  • Encouraging people to think independently and make their own moral judgements rather than defer to some external moral authority (e.g. a religious or totalitarian political figure);
  • A moral framework that places the emphasis on flourishing in this life rather than in some sort of life-yet-to-come; and
  • The possibility of living a meaningful and moral life in the absence of both God and religion.

Explore what this kind of contemporary humanism involves, and also look at some of the key arguments for and against it with this hybrid series of lectures, led by a leading humanist author, Dr Stephen Law.

Please note: enrolments for the series will close at 23:59 UTC on 24 January 2025.

Programme details

Lecture programme

Lectures take place on Tuesdays, from 2pm–3.15pm UTC (GMT).

Tuesday 28 January 2025
What humanism is, and isn’t (plus some history) 

Tuesday 4 February 2025
The existence of God

Tuesday 11 February 2025
Humanism and morality

Tuesday 18 February 2025
Humanism and political secularism

Tuesday 25 February 2025
Moral and religious education

Tuesday 4 March 2025
The meaning of life, and challenges to humanism

How and when to watch

Each lecture will last approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, followed by questions.

For those attending in person at Rewley House, registration takes place from 1.30pm before the first lecture (28 January only). Tea and coffee are provided in the Common Room after each lecture, from 3.15pm.

For those joining us online, please join in good time before each lecture to ensure that you have no connection problems. We recommend joining 10-15 minutes before the start time.

Fees

Description Costs
Course Fee - in-person attendance (includes tea/coffee) £185.00
Course Fee - virtual attendance £170.00

Funding

If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit or are a full-time student in the UK you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees.

Concessionary fees for short courses

Tutor

Dr Stephen Law

Stephen Law is a Departmental Lecturer in Philosophy and Director of the Certificate of Higher Education at OUDCE. His research focuses on the philosophy of mind, language, metaphysics and on philosophy of religion. He also writes many accessible online articles and edits the Royal Institute of Philosophy journal THINK: Philosophy for Everyone.

Application

Please use the 'Book' button on this page. Alternatively, please contact us to obtain an application form.

Accommodation

Accommodation is not included in the price, but if you wish to stay with us the night before the course, then please contact our Residential Centre.

Accommodation in Rewley House - all bedrooms are modern, comfortably furnished and each room has tea and coffee making facilities, Freeview television, and Free WiFi and private bath or shower rooms. Please contact our Residential Centre on +44 (0) 1865 270362 or email res-ctr@conted.ox.ac.uk for details of availability and discounted prices. For more information, please see our website: https://www.conted.ox.ac.uk/about/accommodation

IT requirements

For those joining us online

We will be using Zoom for the livestreaming of this lecture series. If you’re attending online, you’ll be able to see and hear the speakers, and to submit questions via the Zoom interface. Joining instructions will be sent out prior to the start date. We recommend that you join the session at least 10-15 minutes prior to the start time – just as you might arrive a bit early at our lecture theatre for an in-person event.

Please note that this course will not be recorded.