Oxford University's study identifying seven universal moral rules that hold all societies together

Presented by Ambrese Montagu

Please join the Zoom Meeting at: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/971381033

Overview

Anthropologists at the University of Oxford have discovered what they believe to be seven universal moral rules through a survey of 60 cultures from all around the world. The rules: help your family, help your group, return favours, be brave, defer to superiors, divide resources fairly, and respect others’ property. Note, that these values all promote cooperation except one: bravery. It’s a switch value that could lead to actions that go against the values of a group.

Arguably, the seven universal values align closely with the principles of various “humanist” movements over time and place. See below for an AI-generated summary of different types of humanism over time and space.

Do you agree with the following statements:

1. Humanism emphasizes reason, compassion, and ethical living, which resonate with these values. For instance, helping family and group mirrors humanism's focus on community and mutual support. Similarly, fairness in resource distribution and respect for property align with humanist ideals of justice and equality.

2. Humanism diverges in its secular approach, often prioritizing individual autonomy over deference to authority, which may contrast with the universal value of deferring to superiors.

3. While both frameworks promote cooperation and ethical behavior, humanist movements place a stronger emphasis on critical thinking and freedom from supernatural beliefs. Additionally, humanism's advocacy for social justice and human rights extends beyond the scope of the seven universal values, addressing systemic issues like reproductive rights and environmental sustainability.

Question: How can discussion of the 7 universal values help to improve humanism's role in fostering a fair and equal society?

The Evolution of Humanism

Humanism, as a philosophical and cultural movement, is richly diverse and has evolved differently across regions, philosophical schools, and even through publications. Here's a brief overview of these variations:

Regional Differences

1. Western Europe : Humanism first emerged during the Renaissance, particularly in Italy, as a revival of Classical Greek and Roman ideas. It emphasized individualism, secularism, and the study of humanities. In Northern Europe, however, humanism blended with religious reform movements, like those of Erasmus, leading to Christian Humanism.

2. The United States: Humanism here took root later, often linked to secular humanism. It has a strong focus on individual rights, scientific inquiry, and the separation of church and state. Figures like Carl Sagan and organizations like the American Humanist Association embody this tradition.

3. Asia: Humanist ideas have manifested differently, often interwoven with existing religious and philosophical traditions. For example, Confucianism in China emphasizes human-centric ethical values, while Indian humanism merges with Gandhian ideals of non-violence and universal harmony.

4. Global South: Humanism often ties to social justice and liberation movements, focusing on decolonization, equity, and community-driven change.

Philosophical Variations

Renaissance Humanism: Rooted in Classical texts and centered on the dignity and potential of humans.

Secular Humanism: A modern branch rejecting supernatural beliefs, focusing on rationality, science, and human welfare.

Religious Humanism : Merges humanistic principles with spirituality, seen in liberal Christian theology or movements like Unitarian Universalism.

Existential Humanism: Highlighted by thinkers like Sartre, it explores human freedom, responsibility, and self-determination.

The dissemination of humanist ideas has been deeply tied to publications. Texts like Erasmus's "The Praise of Folly" shaped Renaissance humanism, while the Humanist Manifestos" (1933, 1973, 2003) laid the foundation for secular humanist thought.

In different regions, humanist ideals are shaped by local authors—such as Tagore in India, or Russell in the UK.

Publications also vary in tone: philosophical treatises, political manifestos, and accessible essays cater to different audiences, influencing how humanist ideas spread.