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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain how humanists decide what is good.

      Key learning points

      1. As a non-religious worldview, humanists believe that ideas of right and wrong are human values.
      2. Humanists look to reason and empathy to decide what is good.
      3. Humanists aim to promote happiness and reduce suffering.

      Keywords

      • Ethical - relating to moral principles that shape behaviour

      • Reason - to think about something in a logical way

      • Empathy - to understand and share someone else’s feelings

      • Humanist - a person with a non-religious worldview based on humanist values

      Common misconception

      Humanists make decisions based on what suits them personally.

      Humanists use empathy to make a decision that helps as many people as possible.

      Teacher tip

      Invite a humanist into the class to talk about how they apply humanist principles to their daily lives. Pupils could plan deep, philosophical questions in advance. These can be shared with interviewees so they have time to prepare worthwhile answers.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      What is the Qur’an?

      a history book
      a book of tales
      Correct answer: the holy book of Islam

      Q2.
      The Hadith and the show Muslims how Prophet Muhammad lived.

      Correct Answer: Sunnah, sunnah

      Q3.
      Muslims make ethical choices using the Qur’an and the example of the ...

      Correct Answer: Prophet, Prophet Muhammad

      Q4.
      How did Prophet Muhammad show kindness?

      by ignoring people
      Correct answer: by helping those in need
      by taking all the wood

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      What is Humanism?

      a belief in one god
      Correct answer: a non-religious worldview
      a type of school

      Q2.
      Where do Humanists believe ideas of right and wrong come from?

      from religious rules
      Correct answer: from human values and understanding
      from magic

      Q3.
      What is empathy?

      reading books quickly
      Correct answer: understanding how someone else feels
      a magical power

      Q4.
      If a Humanist sees someone in pain, what are they likely to do?

      walk away
      blame them
      Correct answer: use empathy to help if they can

      To help you plan your 6 religious education lesson on: Humanist values, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...