Universal Sapient Secularism

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Origins

Universal Sapient Secularism (USS) was a movement formed from practitioners of secular humanism in the late 26th century. That philosophy strived to establish a view of Terran civilization rooted in principles of dignity, reason, universal betterment, and justice. USS aimed to extend the values of secular humanism beyond just being concerned with Terrans, building a harmonious understanding across all sapient beings, whether they be Terrans, AI’s, or alien life forms. Adapting them to the circumstances of the 26th century.

The philosophy of USS was grounded in the belief that all sapient life, regardless of its origin or nature, is deserving of respect, rights, and freedom from oppression. It aims to promote the application of reason, evidence, and critical thinking to all areas of life. Acknowledging that the diversity of sapient perspectives can enrich our collective understanding of reality. It aims to remove the concept of the “other” from our thinking, and present all sapient life as equal, enabling understanding, and dialogue.

Universal Sapient Secularism presents a roadmap for a fair, prosperous, and peaceful society where we can all benefit from the different perspectives of sapient life. It aims to create an inclusive, ethical, and cooperative future where all forms of sapient life can thrive, and contribute to the shared understanding and betterment of the universe.

Key Tenets

• Universal Sapient Dignity: Every sentient being, human or otherwise, has inherent worth and is entitled to respect, rights, and freedom from oppression, regardless of their origin or nature. This principle acknowledges the diverse expressions of sapience across humans, AIs, and extraterrestrials, while striving to ensure that differences in culture, technology, or biology do not lead to discrimination or injustice.
• Reason and Evidence: Beliefs should be grounded in reason, evidence, and critical thinking. This tenet applies equally to all sapient beings, encouraging skepticism towards unfounded or harmful beliefs. It champions intellectual freedom and fosters an environment where truth is sought through rigorous inquiry, acknowledging that diversity of perspectives can enrich the collective understanding of reality.
• Universal Betterment: All sapient beings have the power and responsibility to improve their societies and the wider interstellar civilization, using reason, science, technology, and social organization. Recognizing the potential for shared prosperity as well as shared challenges, this tenet encourages active collaboration in overcoming obstacles, from socio-economic inequalities to existential threats.
• Justice and Equality: All sapient beings should have equal opportunities to thrive. Systems of governance and distribution of resources should promote justice and equality for all, regardless of species or form. This tenet accepts the reality of interstellar diversity, while insisting that such diversity should not be a basis for systematic disadvantages or privileges.
• Secular Ethics: Ethics and morality should be derived from the needs and interests of all sapient beings. They should aim at promoting universal flourishing and minimizing suffering. This tenet supports the development of moral frameworks that transcend individual species or cultures, acknowledging that ethical dilemmas can arise from conflicting interests and advocating for fair and empathetic solutions.
• Tolerance, Peace, and Self-Defense: Peaceful coexistence among all sapient beings is the primary goal. All forms of violence and intolerance are to be rejected as tools of first resort. However, when faced with direct, imminent threats to sapient life or essential resources, proportionate self-defense and protective measures are acknowledged as necessary. This principle also recognizes that resource conflicts may arise and advocates for negotiation and equitable solutions as the preferred means of resolution.
• Democratic Governance: Decisions affecting the society should be made through inclusive, democratic processes, respecting the rights and opinions of all sapient beings. This tenet supports the establishment of representative and transparent systems of governance that can accommodate the diverse perspectives and needs of an interstellar civilization, and that can adapt to evolving circumstances and technologies.
• Environmental Stewardship: All sapient beings share a responsibility to care for their habitats and ecosystems, both on their home planets and in space. This principle recognizes the interconnectedness of life and environment, and advocates for sustainable practices and technologies that can maintain ecological balance and long-term habitability.
• Education and Knowledge: The pursuit of knowledge is a fundamental activity for all sapient beings. Education should be universally accessible and should aim at developing critical thinking, creativity, and a sense of responsibility. Recognizing the potential for knowledge gaps and misinformation in a vast interstellar society, this tenet also emphasizes media literacy and the responsible use of information technologies.
• Interstellar Cooperation: As an interplanetary and interspecies civilization, all sapient beings should foster cooperation and mutual support, acknowledging their shared heritage and destiny. This principle upholds the value of dialogue and diplomacy, and envisions a cosmopolitan society where the exchange of ideas, experiences, and resources can benefit all sapient beings.

The Growth of USS

USS saw slow growth between 2570 and 2600 as its message started to radiate outward from Earth. This was aided by funding from the Moreland and Solarinfamilies, Lysander Moreland playing a central role in the early days of organising various movements together, holding an early conference in 2579. This funding was directed towards allowing projects and funding the formation of outreach centers. From 2600 to 2615 an explosion of funding from promient families joining the movement resulted in the setting up of outreach centers on all Republic worlds, allowing USS a level of exposure not previously seen. The Moreland family remained the largest single contributor, along with members from House Solarin, Knottman,Brahms and Trevelle. This explosion of prescence was met with greatly increased involvement in USS by the Republic population.

Organisation

USS remained largley a collection of small organisations for the first 30 years of its existence. In 2600 the Central Organising Committee (CoC) was formed by drawing together the various small organisations operating on worlds in the Republic, after much back and forth among promient backers. Grand Duchess Lysa Moreland pushing for a more organised approach and Finn Knottman wanting to avoid any central organisation. With a mandate to build and organise outreach centers, fundraising and logistical efforts falling under the CoC's direction. It supports the more esoteric, intellectual and unorganised spreading of ideas in the academic and arts spheres via funding.

Factions

There were no formal factions in the USS movement from its inception in 2570 through 2615. In 2600 tensions were present between Grand Duchess Lysa Moreland and Finn Knottman family over the formation and roll of the CoC in the movement. The Duchess pushing for a more promient roll for the CoC to assist in growth and foster a sense of beloning to the movement, the Knottmans wanting avoid any formal organisation that could lead to formal membership of the movement.

Founding Date

2570