Evolutionary humanism and religion as interpreted by Michael Schmidt-Salomon

Abstract

This article discusses the conception of the modern German theorist and populariser of evolutionary humanism Michael Schmidt-Salomon. Along with the study of the original texts, the article contains criticism of his ideas. It shows that Schmidt- Salomon’s conception, though based on the ideas of Julian Huxley, the founder of evolutionary humanism, as well as on the ideas of other theorists of humanistic and anticlerical direction, is an independent construction, consistent in its naturalistic approach and its focus on practical applicability. Many statements make their author close to R. Dawkins, but Schmidt-Salomon manages to refrain from excessive biologising in his views on the human nature. The concept of “mainstream culture”, which is used by the author to formulate the problem of spreading the humanist worldview and to propose its solution, deserves special attention. Despite certain lack of thoroughness as to ethical problems, Schmidt-Salomon’s evolutionary humanism can be viewed as an example of the present-day practical philosophy.

Keywords

• humanism
• evolutionary humanism
• religion
• anti-clericalism
• secularism
• liberal thought
• ethics
• Dawkins
• Schmidt-Salomon