Emotions and Rationality as a Basis for Humanism

Can Humanism Encompass Both Intellect and Spirit?

Authors

  • Frank Friedlander Fielding Graduate University in Santa Barbara, California

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/eph.v21i2.117

Keywords:

humanism, rationality, logic

Abstract

Two primary philosophical underpinnings of humanism are rationality and emotionality. Rationality along with a focus on reason, logic, and an empirical brand of science fortifies our skepticism toward belief in God, and promotes our theories of evolution. Emotionality provides the deeper feelings and compassion we have for one another. These two, rationality and emotionality, are symbolized by the head and heart of ourselves as individuals. They also, to varying degrees, underlay the religions and institutions of which we are a part.

Author Biography

  • Frank Friedlander, Fielding Graduate University in Santa Barbara, California

    Dr. Frank Friedlander has a Ph.D. in social psychology, and presently is professor emeritus with the Fielding Graduate University in Santa Barbara, California. He has written extensively on motivation, group dynamics, and organization development.

References

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Downloads

Published

2014-05-19

Issue

Vol. 21 No. 2 (2013)

Section

Humanist Reflections

How to Cite

Friedlander, F. (2014). Emotions and Rationality as a Basis for Humanism: Can Humanism Encompass Both Intellect and Spirit?. Essays in the Philosophy of Humanism, 21(2), 117-124. https://doi.org/10.1558/eph.v21i2.117