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.

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fact
Science and Humanism [SCH 100]

In science, an observation, or the result of an experimental manipulation.

fideism
Religion and Spirituality [RSP 100]

The idea that God can only be known through faith, and not through rational inquiry.

formalist synonym with deontological
Ethics [ETH 100]

Category of moral theories claiming that the rightness of an action depends on the form of the action.

Free Exercise Clause
Law and Politics [LAP 100]

Clause in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution that protects individuals from government persecution based on hostility to their religious beliefs, including the right not to believe.

free speech
Science and Humanism [SCH 100]

A basic right guaranteed by the U.S. and other democratic constitutions. While strictly speaking it refers to one's ability to articulate one's own opinions in speech or writing, it is often extrapolated -- especially in the U.S. -- to include other forms of influencing people's opinions (e.g., the ability to contribute money to political campaigns or to advertise certain products).

freethinker
Humanist Studies [HUM 100]

Someone who rejects authority and dogma, especially in religion.

freethought
Humanist Studies [HUM 100]

The rejection of authority and dogma, especially in religion.

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