Humanism - A cultural and intellectual movement during the Renaissance, following the rediscovery of the art and literature of ancient Greece and Rome. A philosophy or attitude concerned with the interests, achievements, and capabilities of human beings rather than with the abstract concepts and problems of theology or science. (Ackland)

Humanism is, more generally, a system of thought that focuses on human beings; their needs, capacities, values, interests, welfare, and worth. More specifically, Humanism was a Renaissance cultural and intellectual movement that emphasized secularism, drawing upon the culture of ancient Greece and Rome. (studentorgs).

A philosophical orientation to education which holds that the purpose of education is to enhance personal growth and development. This growth of this philosophy among educator led to a swing from teacher-centred to learner-centred learning environments. Related terms/concepts include: learner-centredness, transformational learning, and facilitated learning.