Humanism in the 21st Century: New Challenges and Evolution of the Concept Redefining Foundations: From Anthropocentrism to Ecological Humanism Traditional humanism, formed during the Renaissance and Enlightenment, proclaimed man as the measure of all things, the center of the universe. However, the 21st century with its global challenges — climate change, mass extinction of species, resource depletion — has required a radical revision of this anthropocentric model. Eco-humanism (or eco-centric humanism) comes to the fore, considering human well-being as inextricably linked to the health of the entire ecosystem. Interesting fact: Philosophers such as Bruno Latour propose the concept of "New Climate Regime," where humans cease to be autonomous subjects opposing nature and become part of a complex network of interdependencies. This is reflected in legal practice: in 2017, the Whanganui River in New Zealand was granted legal personhood with rights and interests that should be protected in court — a vivid example of the expansion of humanistic principles beyond the human species. Technological Imperative: Humanism in the Digital Age The development of artificial intelligence, neurotechnologies, genetic editing, and widespread digitalization poses unprecedented ethical questions for humanism. Artificial Intelligence and Rights: If AI achieves true consciousness, should we extend humanistic principles to it? While this is still speculative, discussions about "AI ethics" — developing algorithms free from human prejudices (racial, gender), and digital human rights (right to digital oblivion, protection of personal data) — are already underway. Biotechnology and Human Enhancement: CRISPR-Cas9 and other genetic editing technologies open the way not only for treating diseases but also for "enhancing" humans. Humanism in the 21st century must seek a balance between scientific freedom and preventing the emergence of new social inequalities between "enhanced" and "n ... Read more