A Critique of Atheistic Humanism in the Quest for Human Dignity

Precious Uwaezuoke Obioha

Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Arts, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria.

DOI: 10.4236/ojpp.2013.31A022                

Abstract

A challenge confronting the human person in contemporary society is the abuse to his personality which constitutes a bane to his dignity and well-being which has continued to be on the increase despite various theoretical attempts at addressing the issue of abuse to human dignity. One of such theoretical attempts, which is atheistic humanism, has failed in its quest to enhancing the dignity of man because it has neglected the theistic background necessary for understanding, relating to and the treatment of the human person. This paper therefore, aims at a critical analysis of atheistic humanism in its quest for human dignity with a view to showing its implications for the dignity and well-being of man. The paper employs the critical method of philosophy with a view to showing the inconsistencies and the implications of an atheistic humanistic understanding of man. The paper thereafter states that a theistic humanistic understanding and treatment of the human person better provides the ground for the pursuit and realization of human dignity and well-being.

Keywords

Humanism; Human Dignity; Human Well-Being; Theism; Human Values; Human Person

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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