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50. Andrew Copson on Why Humanism Remains Essential in an Age of Extremism, 20 Years of Human Rights Campaigning
Manage episode 507621802 series 3511126
“No one ever said it was going to be easy. Humanists don’t think a better world is inevitable—we think a better world is possible, but we have to work for it.”
Andrew Copson OBE, Chief Executive of Humanists UK and former President of Humanists International, joins us for our 50th episode to reflect on two decades of humanist leadership. From growing up in a secular working-class community to championing global human rights, Andrew explains why humanism remains vital in a time of rising extremism, technological disruption, and political uncertainty.
Connect with Andrew
- Website – Humanists UK
- X (Twitter) – @andrewcopson
- LinkedIn – Andrew Copson
- Facebook - @mrandrewcopson
Topics we cover
✔︎ Growing up secular in working-class Britain
✔︎ Why humanist organizations matter: advocacy, representarion and care
✔︎ Misconceptions about humanism today – “too anti-religious” vs. “too pro-human”
✔︎ The challenge of technology and the meaning of mortality
✔︎ Strategic engagement: when to dialogue, and when not to
✔︎ Transforming Humanists International into a diverse, global movement
✔︎ The campaign to free Mubarak Bala
✔︎ UK priorities ahead: assisted dying, curriculum reform, defending equality
✔︎ Why embracing the identity of “humanist” still matters
Resources & further reading
- Secularism: Politics, Religion and Freedom – Copson (2017)
- The Wiley Blackwell Handbook of Humanism – Copson & Grayling (2015)
- The Little Book of Humanism Series – Copson & Roberts
- What I Believe – Copson (2025)
- What I Believe Podcast
- Andrew Copson’s Farewell Speech to the General Assembly, Humanists International 2025
- Mubarak Bala case – Humanists Internatio
Support Humanism Now & Join Our Community!
Follow @HumanismNowPod | YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Threads | X.com | BlueSky
Humanism Now is produced by Humanise Live, making podcasting easy for charities and social causes.
Contact us to get starting in podcasting today at humanise.live or [email protected]
Music: Blossom by Light Prism
Podcast transcripts are AI-generated and may contain errors or omissions. They are provided to make our content more accessible, but should not be considered a fully accurate record of the conversation.
Chapters
1. Episode Introduction and Milestones (00:00:00)
2. Andrew's Personal Journey to Humanism (00:02:04)
3. The Value of Humanist Identity (00:05:52)
4. Change in Public Understanding of Humanism (00:10:43)
5. Changes in Misconceptions of Humanism (00:13:38)
6. Role of Technology in the Future of Humanism (00:16:07)
7. Limits of Dialogue, Discussion & Engagement (00:21:41)
8. Achievements from 20 Years with Humanists UK (00:29:11)
9. The Importance of Humanists International (00:31:53)
10. Humanist UK Priorities and Current Challenges (00:39:47)
11. The Case for 21st Century Humanism (00:42:15)
12. Global Priorities for People & Planet (00:43:48)
13. How to Get Started in Humanism (00:45:15)
14. Thoughts on Andrew's OBE Award (00:47:55)
54 episodes
50. Andrew Copson on Why Humanism Remains Essential in an Age of Extremism, 20 Years of Human Rights Campaigning
Humanism Now | Secular Ethics, Curiosity and Compassionate Change
Manage episode 507621802 series 3511126
“No one ever said it was going to be easy. Humanists don’t think a better world is inevitable—we think a better world is possible, but we have to work for it.”
Andrew Copson OBE, Chief Executive of Humanists UK and former President of Humanists International, joins us for our 50th episode to reflect on two decades of humanist leadership. From growing up in a secular working-class community to championing global human rights, Andrew explains why humanism remains vital in a time of rising extremism, technological disruption, and political uncertainty.
Connect with Andrew
- Website – Humanists UK
- X (Twitter) – @andrewcopson
- LinkedIn – Andrew Copson
- Facebook - @mrandrewcopson
Topics we cover
✔︎ Growing up secular in working-class Britain
✔︎ Why humanist organizations matter: advocacy, representarion and care
✔︎ Misconceptions about humanism today – “too anti-religious” vs. “too pro-human”
✔︎ The challenge of technology and the meaning of mortality
✔︎ Strategic engagement: when to dialogue, and when not to
✔︎ Transforming Humanists International into a diverse, global movement
✔︎ The campaign to free Mubarak Bala
✔︎ UK priorities ahead: assisted dying, curriculum reform, defending equality
✔︎ Why embracing the identity of “humanist” still matters
Resources & further reading
- Secularism: Politics, Religion and Freedom – Copson (2017)
- The Wiley Blackwell Handbook of Humanism – Copson & Grayling (2015)
- The Little Book of Humanism Series – Copson & Roberts
- What I Believe – Copson (2025)
- What I Believe Podcast
- Andrew Copson’s Farewell Speech to the General Assembly, Humanists International 2025
- Mubarak Bala case – Humanists Internatio
Support Humanism Now & Join Our Community!
Follow @HumanismNowPod | YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Threads | X.com | BlueSky
Humanism Now is produced by Humanise Live, making podcasting easy for charities and social causes.
Contact us to get starting in podcasting today at humanise.live or [email protected]
Music: Blossom by Light Prism
Podcast transcripts are AI-generated and may contain errors or omissions. They are provided to make our content more accessible, but should not be considered a fully accurate record of the conversation.
Chapters
1. Episode Introduction and Milestones (00:00:00)
2. Andrew's Personal Journey to Humanism (00:02:04)
3. The Value of Humanist Identity (00:05:52)
4. Change in Public Understanding of Humanism (00:10:43)
5. Changes in Misconceptions of Humanism (00:13:38)
6. Role of Technology in the Future of Humanism (00:16:07)
7. Limits of Dialogue, Discussion & Engagement (00:21:41)
8. Achievements from 20 Years with Humanists UK (00:29:11)
9. The Importance of Humanists International (00:31:53)
10. Humanist UK Priorities and Current Challenges (00:39:47)
11. The Case for 21st Century Humanism (00:42:15)
12. Global Priorities for People & Planet (00:43:48)
13. How to Get Started in Humanism (00:45:15)
14. Thoughts on Andrew's OBE Award (00:47:55)
54 episodes
All episodes
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