New
New
Year 5

Humanism: deciding right from wrong

I can explain how humanists make ethical decisions.

New
New
Year 5

Humanism: deciding right from wrong

I can explain how humanists make ethical decisions.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Philosophers use thought experiments to explore solutions to big questions.
  2. Humanists look to reason and empathy to answer big questions.
  3. Humanists aim to promote happiness and reduce suffering when making ethical decisions.

Keywords

  • Thought experiment - a philosophical tool to test ideas in made-up scenarios

  • Ethical - part of philosophy; questions about living a good life and what is right and wrong

  • Consequences - the outcome of a choice or action

Common misconception

Using empathy when making ethical decisions means that all humanists will reach the same conclusions.

Humanists may reach different moral decisions as they feel empathy differently.


To help you plan your year 5 religious education lesson on: Humanism: deciding right from wrong, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Humanists UK coordinate speakers to come into schools and speak to pupils. Reach out to them to have a humanist visitor so pupils can ask them how they make ethical decisions and what is important to them.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), 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

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4 Questions

Q1.
What do humanists believe about humans and nature?

humans rule nature
humans are above nature
Correct answer: humans are part of nature

Q2.
What helps humanists make decisions about how to live?

myths and legends
Correct answer: reason and empathy
superstition

Q3.
Some humanists become because they care about animals.

Correct Answer: vegetarians

Q4.
Humanists believe their actions can have an on animals and the planet.

Correct Answer: impact, Impact

Assessment exit quiz

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4 Questions

Q1.
Philosophers use experiments to help them explore big ideas about life and ethics.

Correct Answer: thought, Thought

Q2.
What is empathy?

Correct answer: imagining how others might feel
caring only about yourself
making people laugh

Q3.
Humanists try to reduce and increase happiness through their choices.

Correct Answer: suffering, Suffering

Q4.
Is it possible for humanists to disagree and still use empathy?

No, they must agree.
Correct answer: Yes, because empathy can feel different to different people.
No, empathy always feels the same.

Additional material

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