Humanistically

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

In a manner that emphasizes human values and concerns | Referring to approaches that prioritize the experience and dignity of individuals | Characterized by a focus on human welfare and the study of human nature
In a fashion that prioritizes human dignity and moral issues
In a way that highlights the importance of human values and ethical concerns

Etymology: The adverb in question stems from the root "humanistic," which itself derives from "humanism," a Renaissance intellectual movement that emphasized the value and agency of human beings, individually and collectively. Humanism arose in the 14th to 16th centuries, partly as a reaction against the medieval scholastic focus on divine authority and the afterlife. It sought to revive classical learning and emphasize human potential and achievements in art, literature, and philosophy. The root "human" comes from the Latin "humanus," meaning "of or belonging to man," which is related to "homo," meaning "man" or "human being." This Latin lineage passed into English through Renaissance scholars who adapted classical ideas into contemporary thought, giving rise to "humanism" in the early 19th century as a formal movement and philosophy. Adding the suffix "-istic" forms an adjective meaning "pertaining to or characteristic of humanism," and the adverbial "-ally" or "-istically" turns this into a manner of doing something "in a humanistic way." The adverb likely appeared in English in the 20th century, as humanistic ideas spread beyond philosophy into fields like psychology, education, and ethics, emphasizing approaches that center human dignity and rationality. Thus, to act "humanistically" is to do so with a focus on human values, concerns, and capacities, reflecting a worldview that places human beings at the center of meaning and inquiry. This adverb encapsulates a lineage from classical antiquity, through Renaissance revival, to modern philosophical and ethical stances.

Synonyms: philosophically, ethically