Progressive rationalism
Progressive rationalism is the humanistic belief that improvements in global well-being depend on political change based on reason.
It is progressive in the sense that could be falsified. It is a rationalist system of beliefs laden to empiricism, built, at least in first term, on certainties not in mere beliefs. Progressive rationalists see corruption and faith as the two barriers to improved conditions. Politically it is opposed not only to right-wing systems of authoritarian or theocratic rule, but also to moral relativism exhibited by the left. It is distinct from both of its two stand-alone constituents by stating that both progressivism and rationalism are indispensable enablers for a flourishing society.
Progressive rationalists generally see democratic governance as the best available political system and many additionally subscribe to libertarian paternalism. They are secularist universally as a result of their rationalism. And their preoccupation with global well-being makes most of them advocates of human and civil rights, environmental conservation and therefore animal welfare. These and other values all derive from their foundational humanistic belief in reason-based change to improve well-being.
Notable individuals who have inspired progressive rationalism are Sam Harris for advocating reason, Julian Assange for exposing corruption, and George Carlin for his social criticism. The countries in which the ideals of progressive rationalism have been realized to the greatest extent are the Scandinavian states of Norway and Sweden with their high rates of political trust, secularism, and quality of life.
