secularism
/ˈsɛkjələrɪzəm/The principle of separating government institutions and public education from religious influence, doctrine, or control, and the promotion of secular values in society.
The country's constitution upholds secularism to ensure equal treatment of all religious groups.
The country's constitution upholds secularism to ensure equal treatment of all religious groups.
Critics argue that secularism in education helps foster critical thinking and tolerance.
Critics argue that secularism in education helps foster critical thinking and tolerance.
Secularism is distinct from atheism or irreligion, as it focuses on the separation of religious and state institutions rather than the rejection of religion.
A philosophical stance that emphasizes the importance of secular values, such as reason, science, and humanism, over religious or supernatural explanations.
Modern secularism often aligns with humanist values, prioritizing ethical behavior based on reason rather than religious doctrine.
Modern secularism often aligns with humanist values, prioritizing ethical behavior based on reason rather than religious doctrine.
This definition is more philosophical and less about institutional separation.
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💡Pro Tip
Secularism vs. Atheism
Secularism is about institutional separation, not personal belief. A secular state can have religious citizens, but religion does not influence governance.
⚡Gold Rule
Core Principle
Secularism ensures that government policies are based on reason and evidence, not religious doctrine.
📖Word Origin
From French 'laïcité' (19th century), derived from Latin 'laicus' (layperson), meaning outside the clergy. The English term 'secularism' emerged in the mid-19th century, popularized by George Jacob Holyoake.
📝Usage Notes
Secularism is often confused with atheism, but it is a political and social principle rather than a personal belief system. It emphasizes the separation of religion from public institutions.