The COHE glossary of humanist and related terms is offered as a public service to our site visitors. We hope that it will assist you with not only academic work, but also your pursuit of general knowledge about humanism, science, religion, psychology, ethics, politics, and more.

Because glossary terms are defined by the authors of COHE courses in our diverse Study Areas, some show multiple definitions depending on context within those modules. Note also the offering of synonyms (words with identical meanings) for some terms.

A * B * C * D * E * F * G * H * I * J * K * L * M * N * O * P * Q * R * S * T * U * V * W * X * Y * Z * Show All

unreflective hedonism
Science and Humanism [SCH 100]

The idea that to think requires hard work, so why bother?

unreflective instrumentalism
Science and Humanism [SCH 100]

The concept that thought has no value unless it is of practical importance, yielding a disdain for theoretical inquiry and for intellectual pursuit per se. This attitude is rooted in rampant capitalism, where the Protestant work ethic and material success are more esteemed than esoterica.

utilitarianism
Ethics [ETH 100]

The view that an action is right if it maximizes happiness, everyone considered.

A * B * C * D * E * F * G * H * I * J * K * L * M * N * O * P * Q * R * S * T * U * V * W * X * Y * Z * Show All