Alice Roberts and Andrew Copson on humanist thought through the ages

[@Jipnag]

I went to a humanist wedding in Scotland in 2019 and that's how I found this channel. You are everything I believe in

[@JNeil1975]

This book is a must-have. I thoroughly enjoy reading it again and again.

[@colindailley5062]

Yes, that's all wonderful, Alice and Andrew C ~ regards and esteem, Colin x

[@colindailley5062]

Thank you guys ~ Humanists are such great company, if I can put it like that ~ Regards, Colin x

[@colindailley5062]

Delightful discussion, Alice and Andrew ~ I could listen to it any number of times ❤️

[@timothyappleseed2986]

Good luck is when preparation meets opportunity and we not only create opportunity or make it more likely as we prepare but we are also more likely to recognise opportunity when we are preparing, ...because as we are preparing, we are looking for ways to apply what we are preparing for. Bad luck is opportunity without preparation.

[@jimritchie4021]

My son and his wife had a humanist wedding and I have been to many humanist funerals as I was a cemetery superintendent I never gave it much thought before but the more I find out on humanist things the more I like

[@thepresi2]

I love Alice Roberts. Thanks for writing this. Got it!

[@GaryR55]

I don't care much for beliefs. People believe what they WANT to believe. I trust in facts, in what can be known.

[@raclarke7379]

Thanks for writing a much needed book I will encourage friends and family to read it too. Dr Roberts is one of my favourite role models.

[@jamesdownes8250]

Alice Roberts has taken Humanism to a new level and into the public media domain , keep it up Alice. In the past I have listened to the likes of Hitchens and Dawkins but these are more intellectual conversations and Alice although she is equally so has a more approachable personality. Chimps like humans are creatures of habit , this doesn't make them superstitious!

[@simonhaves5742]

It's a wonderful life affirming book. Thanks for putting together x

[@GaryR55]

I just don't use the word "gratitude," except to thanks others for their help. I can be glad of what I have, but that's not the same as being "grateful."

[@pault5953]

I just discovered Alice. What a refreshing person.

[@pseudoborderscot5836]

It's a great publication and has a superb page size for handling and carrying in general. Eleanor Roosevelt said some great comments, as did Bertrand Russell, but a favourite of mine is from Noel Coward: "When I have fears, as Keats had fears, Of the moment I'll cease to be, I console myself with vanished years, Remembered laughter, remembered tears, And the peace of the changing sea." (Noel Coward)

[@deandsouza]

I'm hoping that if I have a good life, I won't be too angry (and will gracefully accept) when it comes to an end!

[@AlanWinterboy]

I've ordered the book. Thank you both for your service to humanity. Mansplainy note: Abraham Lincoln used 'better angels of our nature' before Steven Pinker, lol.

[@geoffbabirecki]

As a Humanist and retired Humanist funeral celebrant, I used to ask people who were interested in Humanism, "What do you believe, and what do you understand?"

[@mohsinarif2802]

Was on the call, have my book now and it’s an awesome book! Heavily recommended especially the physical copy

[@AdrianColley]

Why the physical copy specifically?

[@HumanistsUK]

@@AdrianColley It's a beautiful object to own!

[@mannyk2755]

I used to believe in religion. Afraid of gay people, believed my religion is better than the other religion. My fear for the unknown was great and I was miserable. And then I found out , that I can think this way and people like Dawkins, Hitchens and Carl Sagan helped my thoughts immensely.

[@colindailley5062]

It was very much my experience too that I was a Humanist before I knew there was a Humanist tradition ~ I think my Dad was a Humanist as well, without knowing of the Humanist tradition, Alice and Andrew ~

[@colindailley5062]

Will give out the LBOH for Xmas to friends and family , to the extent that I can afford to ~

[@annford6640]

One of a couple of talks I pull up to begin my week (typically Sundays). Have and am loving the "little" compilation. You two should consider a regular video duo-gig. Just food for thought... Much love from the Midwest, US.

[@markrichter2053]

I like Alice’s use of the phrase “de-cluttering”. I feel tfat my sense of my place in the universe and my relationship with the mystery of life is cleaner and purer without theology or religion.

[@GaryR55]

I have, basically, been a humanist since about 1974 or so, when I also gravitated toward libertarianism (note that I am talking about the philosophy, NOT the political party, which makes no sense at all, since the philosophy is, at root, anti-statist). My view is that we should have remained nomadic hunter-gatherers, but given that we're now ill-suited to that lifestyle, I think there is some possibility of living that way without jettisoning our technology or making any radical changes. When I say "that lifestyle," I'm talking about a stateless society.

[@robind.phillips2129]

This is how I think too! Really, thanks for sharing.

[@SteveAinsworth]

It’s on my Christmas list. Looking forward to reading it.

[@stuartshackell5254]

Oh the irony!

[@paulm5443]

@@stuartshackell5254 perhaps it's just cultural, but yes it's funny.

[@wiretamer5710]

Evidence of humans caring in prehistory: ancient footprints of a one legged adult.

[@Neilhuny]

I was surprised to find this video, so I had a look at when I got my copy - I have a habit of writing my name, in case I forget it, and the date I get a book - 26/8/20 - inside, on the first page. It's a great wee book for dipping in to, very pleased I have it.

[@Neilhuny]

Delighted to hear that Jim Al-Khalili pointed Alice in the HumanistUK direction - he's a fine human being, too!

[@davidhunt7249]

Good for you...enjoy! Here in the States I have to wait 3 months to get a copy. Peace to you.

[@HarryNicNicholas]

my ex is japanese and i think one of the reasons the japanese have this reputation for honesty and helpfulness is that they don't have a god that forgives them. to be a thief in japan is to have failed as a human, in the west i think too many people think they can do immoral things but eventually they will be let off and get into heaven anyway. not so with shinto or buddhism, it's your responsibility.

[@budd2nd]

I got mine yesterday. 👍👍👍🥰

[@traceyjane4288]

just about to start reading now :)

[@michaelkyriacou7026]

Love you guys,all the best for the future!! :)

[@FaughtyEmit]

After deconstructing from a lifetime of Christianity, if I want a label/identity … I think this is a good one.

[@sparXKuijper]

49:46 😄 Hide n' Seek champion of the Universe 🏆

[@johnmuller8954]

The accusation against Humanism towards nature and animals is precisely the other way around in Humanism. It's actually Humanism that takes responsibility towards an ideal state. Reason makes it clear that humans are part of an ecosystem. This ideal "human state" must live in harmony with the world that constituted human beings in the first place ie nature and animal life. Its actually the esoteric, traditional and authoritarian models such as religious models of the state', that are more likely to downplay these essential links with mere platitudes. That criticism simply shows the depth to which authoritarian models have diminished our belief that we can take responsibility for our future. Even the statement that we are '"so flawed" shows that diminished belief. Not that anyone is perfect, but that we believe in our ability to do our best.

[@davidhunt7249]

Well stated. I like the way you assembled your words. Peace.

[@marylinc656]

Thank you both for an excellent discussion and you just sold another book. I've been an atheist for at least the last 20 years but I'm still not sure if I am also a humanist. I totally applaud the idea that you want to bring together the desire for kindness alongside a lack of religeous belief. However, my struggle is because I seperate the topic of religion into two parts. One is 'religeous people' and the other is 'religion as a concept'. I see myself as an anti-theist because I believe the 'concept' of what religion is and how it works is, on balance, such a harmful thing to society so my views about that are a lot more hardened because I don't feel I can be kind towards a 'concept' that I feel is so harmful. In terms of religeous people, I think most people would accept that the vast majority of religous people are basically good hearted people who are just trying to do what they believe is the right thing and, of course, they deserve to be treated with kindness. To me, as well as kindness, humanism also seems to suggest a feeling of guilt and I think it's important to try and understand where that feeling comes from. Religeous ritual pre-dates writing and over thousands of years has become so chocked full of all sorts of control tactics aimed at trying to force people into going along with these beliefs. There is huge amounts of evidence to support that. I strongly support the idea of diversity and peoples right to make their own choices about how they live their lives and what they believe in. However, I am a lot less comfortable with standing alongside religeous organisations and their representatives. Although I acknowledge that faith groups do try to do lots of good things, in general I still see their efforts to push people into religion as something that is extremely harmful and that I can't support.

[@GaryR55]

As for religion, I never lost it. I never had it. Despite my mother being a Presbyterian, I've always been an atheist, in that, I wasn't born with any religious beliefs and never acquired any (despite my mother). I wanted to be an archaeologist when I was 7, owing to my father's books on human origins (such as they were known in the 1950s to 1960s), and he encouraged this, being an agnostic, himself. He was a civil engineer.

[@chriswhitt6685]

I described myself as humanist before I knew there was a " humanism " thing. And I've met others who have said the same. As for people insinuating we need religion regards morals etc, let's be honest, the growing secularism in most societies has had to drag all the main religions kicking and screaming into the 21st century regards societal values, morals and ethics. The book sounds great. Take care.

[@patm6704]

The Bible is based on a fictional 6,000 year-old Earth where Neanderthals never existed. In the real world, most people have some Neanderthal DNA because our human ancestors mated with Neanderthals and Africans whose ancestors have never left Africa have no Neanderthal DNA. While the majority of religious believers are good and sincere in their beliefs, the powerful, wealthy religious institutions are firmly embedded with the ruling elites in every religious country. Plus, in some so-called 'secular' countries like the UK where religious institutions maintain a deafening silence on gross inequality, gross injustices against the poor, sick, vulnerable, wars for profit etc., in return for seats in the Lords, daily religious programs on state broadcaster BBC etc. Church/state mutual back-scratching which dates back to Emperor Constantine.

[@jhonadam1420]

I call myself a humanist because I enjoy watching Alice Roberts, but actually I 'believe' in absolutely nothing.

[@ulvessens5902]

Ordered my copy! Dr. Alice Roberts looking gorgeous as always.

[@TopperPenquin]

Yes I am infatuated with you but in a nice way. Like looking at a Ferrari through a Stained Glass Window. Is that a Tessa Rosa ?

[@maryanneodonnell6286]

I had a giggle at the comment “fill stocking with it this Christmas” is that not an oxymoron? Humanism & Christmas!! Christ…mas. I will be buying the book though.

[@minwall9924]

Really interesting; great respect for Alice

[@davidhunt7249]

Absolutetly! Alice dynamic.

[@Tyler380]

When will you make an Audio Book?

[@steverocky7215]

Interesting that Alice sees humanism as part of biology... being a Psychologist leads me the see Humanism as part of psychology , which I suppose is saying the same thing!

[@markrichter2053]

I agree that a lot of authentic core Bhudist philosophy is really humanism

[@two5tyone]

To feel gratitude. From yourself

[@DV-dt9sq]

This is beautiful. Thank you. ❤️ I would like to say that in my opinion Socialism is Humanism. I see more touching points between Socialism and Humanism, than Capitalism and Humanism. I was raised and lived in SFR Yugoslavia. Religion wasn' t forbidden - who wanted to go to church, went. All faiths had equal treatment (catholic, orthodox and Islam, and other). However they were banned to act politically (which is actually the way it should be in a secular society in my opinion). Clergy even received salaries and pension from state. I have encountered many times descriptions from anthropologists or even clergy who encountered indigenes people describing them as: benevolent, good, moral (without any laws of goodness imposed), being solidary, kind, equal among each other, etc. All of that I had while raised in Socialism. When nationalists started war they brought Capitalism and all that upbringing and support of natural (I would say )solidarity and goodness was destroyed. Just like conquistadors or colonists did to innocent indigenous people who didn't know how to defend themselves because they didn't know what evil is.

[@biggstavros5876]

Socialism is not humanism. Humanists are not correlated with any other group.

[@WiiDSRebeL]

I would love to contribute to the audio version recording if at all possible !

[@farje1]

Beautiful book.

[@logik100.0]

Just purchased my ebook copy

[@dominiqueja123]

OK, I understand, this is what I am. I used to say I was spiritual not religious. I believe I the power of the sun, moon, animals and humans

[@dddux]

I call my life philosophy Realism. Essentially it is Humanism, but I don't like the word human in connection with something good. We're not good. We're stupid and selfish species, generally speaking. On a side note, as a music producer, Alice's mic is really great Aston Spirit. It's a great choice.

[@richa1147]

if you are a realist you surely must accept that all species are selfish to a degree (its necessary for survival) - in fact the combination of being selfish and NOT stupid is what has placed us at the top of the pecking order. One of their core points in this video was that we do have the capacity to do good and that Humanism gives a focus to that

[@PaulaJoW]

8:25 I totally agree. Up until lately, I defined myself as an atheist but then I realized that term only exists to claim non-religious status. Since I don't believe in religion in any form, then the term "atheist" is superfluous and...well, pointless.

[@mjowsey]

I've been to a few funerals and only one was humanist. The humanist one was exactly the same minus the bullshit.

[@colindailley5062]

Is Humanism an Existential (ist) kind of philosophy ? I'm wondering. Even whilst it draws upon rigorous Scientific evidence, I feel that it is more of an Existential Philosophy than being part of Academic Philosophy (although it draws on that too) ~ Colin x ❤️🌈🌏

[@NicholBrummer]

Is there a meaningful difference between modern humanism and classical Epicureanism? The garden.

[@ericcrawford9827]

'Ism', you've got to call it something. The most academic people I know are homeless, and sleeping on the street. I'm only watching this to pick up the first edition of The Sun.

[@janechapman7801]

Wondering if there is actually a neurological basis for group beliefs which have allowed large group cohesion and the success of humans groups which develop culture since deities and supernatural beliefs in societies allover the world. What within humanism would activate the same neurological pathways?

[@HarryNicNicholas]

look up type 1 and type 2 errors.

[@sunshinedenney8695]

💛

[@TechnoEstate]

Have been self-identifying as a humanist for more than a decade now, and I've got to say I'm a bit puzzled how you can make an hour long Q&A on humanism 1O1 and *_not once_* mention *_THE CENTRAL_* tenet of humanism: *𝕄 𝔸 ℕ 𝕀 𝕊 𝕋 ℍ 𝔼 𝕄 𝔼 𝔸 𝕊 𝕌 ℝ 𝔼 𝕆 𝔽 𝔸 𝕃 𝕃 𝕋 ℍ 𝕀 ℕ 𝔾 𝕊* Did I miss it, or did I perhaps just catch you off guard? 🤔

[@HarryNicNicholas]

i don't think that is the central tenet, man is just another animal on the planet and i think humanism tries to avoid superiority complexes.

[@TechnoEstate]

@@HarryNicNicholas _"i don't think that is the central tenet"_ *"Philosophers have long been divided between ‘humanists’, for whom ‘man is the measure of things’, and their opponents"* _-David E. Cooper (Department of Philosophy, Durham University)_

[@HumanistsUK]

That's not any humanist's definition of humanism.

[@TechnoEstate]

@@HumanistsUK Ya sure? Please allow me to quote from the homepage of humanists. uk: *"Protagoras* *Greek philosopher* *[...] said, “Man is the measure of all things”, a maxim which appeals to some humanists by putting humankind at the centre of the search for knowledge* *[...] Democritus, Epictetus, Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, Lucretius, Epicurus, Protagoras, and Socrates [...] were the forerunners of modern Humanism."* I liked it better when you were *_speaking for yourself._* (And yes: I've screenshot that.) 😏

[@biggstavros5876]

@@TechnoEstate exactly - `some`. The word `some` does not mean everyone.

[@DV-dt9sq]

Oh... about putting cattle in this or that side, and good things coming from those sort of decision is just OCD component. We all have it in moments. You know seeking for safety. And that reminds me of research that religions (faith) start actually as OCD. 👋 Ups, just heard Alice mention that. Well, I shall leave this comment anyway. Thanks. 🤗

[@northernlight8857]

Humanist must get better at spreading humanism and getting the droves of people leaving religion that there is much value in becoming a humanist.

[@HarryNicNicholas]

well as humanism is a kind of "leave people alone" thing it will take time.

[@paulm5443]

I'm an athiest and in part a nihilist. I can't get to the point of being a humanist as I think human beings are one of the worst species on the planet. It's not that our nature is worse than most other social animals, it's our 'medium' level intelligence that makes us too dangerous for life on this planet. We can strip the planet of its natural resources faster than any other animal. We're wrecking this planet and looking for another one to colonise. Look at how we choose to be led, our political leadership wherever you look is dishonest, greedy and corrupt and is a reflection of the human traits. We can't help it, it's our nature.

[@GaryR55]

Not only should we not have a state religion, but we shouldn't have a state, either. Our paleolithic ancestors had no governments, no society. Governments were an outgrowth of the advent of agriculture, which created a need for fixed settlements, which in turn led to cities, city-states, etc, and all the ills that have emanated from governments.

[@katehillier1027]

I read what I like great humanist atheist times as well. I used to belong to rdf Richard Dawkins forum before he sabotaged it for his ability to tune into atheistic tendencies.

[@logik100.0]

The issue is that theists do not think enough. That's what I've found.

[@logik100.0]

@KHABIB ** TIME Chill out man. Why so angry? Simple question to ponder on. What is the scientific consensus on there being any "supernatural" anything?

[@logik100.0]

@KHABIB ** TIME Are any of your claims acknowledged as fact by the scientific community?

[@andybeans5790]

@KHABIB ** TIME read up about the Argument from Ignorance, as you are making one, amongst a load of unsubstantiated claims.

[@HarryNicNicholas]

@@logik100.0 theists don't think, they obey. if your starting premise is the universe is ruled and governed by a magic pixie you're hobbled in your thinking from the start. i think it's perfectly understandble to be angry when dealing with people who tell me i'm not moral (when they worship a baby drownder) and that i am bound for eternal damnation. the concensus is that the supernatural should be investigated but it's going to be a waste of time.

[@HarryNicNicholas]

@@andybeans5790 i've watched a ton of debate videos where theists do not listen. you're welcome to my playlist if you want to fact check my claim.

[@billgalen9014]

Putting the children’s book into their stocking . . . Is that a Christmas stocking?

[@toni4729]

I don't understand why anyone should feel ashamed or feel guilty about being atheist. I can understand Americans feeling guilty about it, they need atheist friends to back them up because it's such a lonely life there but not in the rest of the world.

[@Chris-op7yt]

you're too kind to religious/faith forms of societal control, which is based on mythological lies that are very often anti-humanistic. to all those religious people that yearn for an authoritarian god and see humanism as not enough: how is worshipping and following the rules of sn imaginary being better?

[@TopperPenquin]

Dr.Roberts I see you've not Gypsy ii

[@paulinecoburn181]

What?

[@richa1147]

ooohhh those last 3 words were a bit unnecessary!

[@petergurney4714]

Wood. Trees.

[@dominiqueja123]

What is a humanist

[@petergurney4714]

58.56. ..Nobody expects the..

[@harrybrown4815]

Having listened for 40minutes plus there is definitely a religious bias to the tone to this conversation. The nuance of which is in the language and the belief structures so as much as there is a protest that humanist are not religious, there is a narrative of beliefs and structures that are more complex then the conversationalists' seem to be aware of. Black's law dictionary Human: that which is monstrous to behold. Ex. A bastard child. Which is different to a man, mankind, men For men are not monsters but humans are lawfully which is why governments can send humans to war and do monstrous things.

[@katehillier1027]

I am a shameless Christian and like our atheist humanist side subscribe the dark side. Likewise us Christian’s are an endless source of fascination. But we know that..

[@fritsgerms3565]

Initially I thought Humanism could be a good thing for atheists that try to live science based lives. But than it became clear to me, that an organisation by definition, will impose it's doctrines, it's values and yes, even it's judgements, on its members, by a small group of leaders that are often no more inteligent, or knowledgeable or wise than it's members. A good example is the American humanist movement's action over a single tweet from Dawkins. At this point, I think any true liberal or intellectual should never be part of a larger group. No one should think they speak for you.

[@HarryNicNicholas]

yep, my definition of atheist is people who don't bother wondering what happens after the cremantion. and all atheists are different, my being atheist is NOTHING to do with anyone else on the planet,except i don't think a god is likely. i'm atheist BECAUSE i don't want to be in a gang, even one i agree with.

[@fritsgerms3565]

@@HarryNicNicholas it's so funny that religious people don't realize they are atheists too. This is due to ignorance of the world around them. There are thousands of gods, all around the world, many much older than the theistic ones and I think it's likely you don't believe in them. That would make you an atheist. It's hilarious that the religious find other religions so clearly devoid of reason and truth but not their own.

[@Ppurk]

@@HarryNicNicholas Well said.

[@harrybrown4815]

1:01:00 wow humanists and chimpanzees "its like a little religion they had invented" You can't make it up folks