humanism

Meanings

1. The study of the humanities or the liberal arts; literary (especially classical) scholarship.
2. Specifically, a cultural and intellectual movement in 14th-16th century Europe characterised by attention to classical culture and a promotion of vernacular texts, notably during the Renaissance.
3. An ethical system that centers on humans and their values, needs, interests, abilities, dignity and freedom; especially used for a secular one which rejects theistic religion and superstition.
4. Humanitarianism.

Etymology

From human + -ism, borrowed from German Humanismus, coined by Friedrich Immanuel Niethammer in 1808.