Welcome to Humanists in Berkshire Discussion Group

“It is better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a question without debating it.” Joseph Joubert

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Transcendence and Humanists

Transcendence and Humanists

Curious to hear how some Humanists seem to translate what may be transcendental needs into their Humanism by transposing elements from religion? Some talk of “humanist hymns”, or “reading from the same page”, as in a religious document that seems almost sacred.

Religion has done a good job of fulfilling needs in us humans, which is why it has evolved so successfully. In its absence, how do Humanists fulfil these needs? In particular, transcendental needs. Not spiritual as such, although there is an overlap between the two.

This is what we will explore at the next discussion meeting. We have no definite answers, just questions, and exploring what others, as Humanists, think or feel.

Meetup: Lunchtime Discussion Group - Transcendence and Humanists, Wednesday 22nd July 2026 at 12.30 pm

Briefing Materials

Transcendence and Humanists

by | 30th May 2026 | 0 Comments

Curious to hear how some Humanists seem to translate what may be transcendental needs into their Humanism by transposing elements from religion? Some talk of “humanist hymns”, or “reading from the same page”, as in a religious document that seems almost sacred.

Religion has done a good job of fulfilling needs in us humans, which is why it has evolved so successfully. In its absence, how do Humanists fulfil these needs? In particular, transcendental needs. Not spiritual as such, although there is an overlap between the two.

This is what we will explore at the next discussion meeting. We have no definite answers, just questions, and exploring what others, as Humanists, think or feel.

Previous Topics

Should We Limit Smartphone Access for Children?

by | 27th May 2026 | 0 Comments

Across the world, momentum is building to restrict children’s use of smartphones and social media. Parents, educators, and child‑health advocates argue that constant connectivity may undermine wellbeing, learning, and healthy development.

Several governments have already banned mobile phones in schools, while some are exploring wider limits on children’s access to social platforms. Technology companies have resisted these measures, denying responsibility for alleged harms in a series of legal challenges.

In the UK, the government is reviewing its approach, with a school‑day phone ban planned in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill.

What are the facts? What evidence is there that use of smart phones and social media harm children? Are the proposed measures proportionate to the risk? Or are they more likely to be counterproductive?

The British Mental Health Crisis

by | 22nd April 2026 | 0 Comments

In April we’ll be discussing The British Mental Health Crisis.

Britain has a major health problem that hasn’t yet reached the top of the political agenda, but it has all the hallmarks of a national crisis. It’s manifested in a stalling growth in life expectancy, a surge in chronic illness, and a significant mental health problem among young people. It has resulted in many more people off work, further overstretched the NHS and has given the government the problem of financing a burgeoning welfare budget.

We’ll be discussing what is behind Britain’s growing mental health crisis. Are we medicalising the normal problems of life? Is job insecurity a factor? Or could it be the after effects of Covid? Could the use of social media be contributing? Is there a lack of NHS support? What impact did 2010s austerity play? Should the government be more pro-active?

The Implications of Artificial Intelligence

by | 25th March 2026 | 0 Comments

Artificial intelligence is already making decisions that affect who receives bail, which cancer scans get flagged, and how children are taught. Some of us are using these tools every day without fully understanding what they are or how they work.

Will they make our lives easier? Or quietly steer us in directions we haven’t chosen? Can we trust what they tell us? Where have they already caused real harm, and where have they produced genuine breakthroughs?

Science Ethics and Humanism

by | 25th February 2026 | 0 Comments

What role does ethics play in science? How does this relate to the humanist advocacy of science? Does science provide a model of ethical enterprise? Is it wise to imply that scientists must be good role models? Should being a good humanist require a strong belief in science?

How Did Human Culture Evolve?

by | 26th November 2025 | 0 Comments

In recent years, evolutionary biologists have proposed theories that explain human culture as an essentially evolutionary adaption. This is a departure from the past that emphasises the natural and evolutionary origins of human culture.

What Happened to Progress?

by | 22nd October 2025 | 2 Comments

In much of the Western world, a curious paradox has emerged: despite living in an age of extraordinary global economic progress, public sentiment is increasingly marked by pessimism. Billions have been lifted out of poverty, life expectancy has risen, and technological breakthroughs – from AI to renewable energy – promise transformative change. But many in affluent societies feel disillusioned.

Processed Foods and Weight Loss Drugs

by | 27th August 2025 | 0 Comments

How are weight loss drugs set to change the way we think about weight loss? Who should be taking these drugs? What are the benefits and the risks? How does our reliance on processed foods have serious negative consequences on physical and mental health?