Final answer:
Individualism and secularism are components of humanism because they both prioritize the individual and human experience over external or divine influences. Individualism stresses personal freedom and self-reliance, while secularism advocates for the separation of religious beliefs from state affairs, aligning with humanist principles.
Step-by-step explanation:
Individualism and secularism are both aspects of humanism because they emphasize the importance and autonomy of the individual over outside or supernatural influences. Individualism is a social outlook that values the moral worth of the individual, championing personal goals, independence, and self-reliance. It is deeply intertwined with the Western concept of freedom, including the freedom to create and express oneself without societal or institutional interference.
Secularism, on the other hand, is the view that religious principles should not govern state affairs. It represents a move towards a more nonreligious framework within societal institutions, advocating for a worldview that separates the state from religious institutions and emphasizes personal and group identity without reliance on traditional religious beliefs.
The rise of humanism in Western culture represents a shift toward valuing human life and experiences in the material realm, promoting a personal and philosophical stance that emphasizes the physical world and human agency. Both individualism and secularism serve as ways for humans to define and construct their lives and societal roles free from religious or external determinants.