Final answer:
The term referring to the focus on improving the current world rather than the afterlife is humanism, which emphasizes rationalism and empiricism over dogma and highlights human value and agency.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that refers to a focus on improving this world rather than hoping for a better life after death is A) humanism. Humanism emphasizes the value and agency of human beings individually and collectively and generally prefers critical thinking and evidence (rationalism and empiricism) over acceptance of dogma or superstition. The approach of humanism is in contrast to the primary concern of various religious views that often focus on the afterlife.
The concept somewhat overlaps with aspects of perfectionism, which argues for seeking the highest attainable good for human nature or society. For instance, Enlightenment philosopher Baruch Spinoza believed in improving one's capacities and power to achieve a state of joy and thus perfection. Similarly, liberation theology within the realm of religion uses church teachings to combat social injustice, aligning somewhat with humanist principles that focus on immediate societal improvement.