I remind the reader that the primary task at hand is to introduce what I DO believe.  A logical starting point is to identify the most credible foundation upon which a belief system can be developed.  Such a foundation must be beyond question from any source.  Such a foundation must be axiomatic; i.e., obviously true to any observer, beyond the need for any proof.  In fact, it must serve as the primary from which subsequent proofs are developed.   

I will first acknowledge the fact of existence.  I need only to look around to see that something exists.  If someone were to ask if anything exists, people would answer to the affirmative.  Something does exist!  This is obvious to anyone.  There is no such thing as disagreeing with that statement and it is meaningless to ask someone whether they agree with it.   Such an affirmation says nothing about the characteristics of that which exists.  The logic would conclude that if nothing existed there would be nothing to talk about and no need for philosophy.   

Very often, at this point, deep philosophical questions are often asked regarding the existence of various questionable entities.  For example, does an idea exist? Does a religion exist? Does a unicorn exist? Does time exist? and many others.  The same problem occurred in early Buddhism.  People asked such questions as …  Is the Cosmos infinite?  Is it eternal? and again, many others.  The Buddha responded “If anyone says that they will not follow the life under the Buddha until these questions are explained, they will die with these questions still unanswered.”  

The point being that such questions are not appropriate at this stage of development of this world view.  Speculation on metaphysical issues is not fundamentally related to the immediate task of taking note of the surrounding reality.  We can only acknowledge the fact that SOMETHING exists.  This concept is of sufficient validity that it can be termed axiomatic in the sense that it cannot be questioned, requires no proof and, in fact, could form the basis for logical proof of statements or claims that may follow.  I will use the term “existents” to refer to the elements of that which exists.   

I will use the collective name “Cosmos” to represent the characteristics, capabilities and actions of those existents.  I want to emphasize that the term “Cosmos” includes everything that exists.  It does not imply that all existents are currently known.  It does apply to all scales of magnitude.  So if we were to study the characteristics of those existents we would say we are studying the Cosmos.   

Each existent in the Cosmos has a fundamental feature that enables people to study its characteristics.  Simply stated, an existent is itself.  It has all the characteristics of itself.  An existent cannot be a green frog and a red Ferrari at the same time.  The frog has color, weight, mass, a shape, a set of abilities to move certain ways and catch and consume food, etc., etc.  We can depend on existents to have and retain their identity.  We need not be concerned that the identity of an existent will change in some random fashion.  In fact, those characteristics establish the identity of the existent.  This feature is referred to as the “Law of Identity”.  A=A.  All existents that comprise the Cosmos possess this feature.  Again we can state that the Law of Identity with respect to existents in the Cosmos is axiomatic.  It cannot be questioned and requires no proof.  It is the second axiom of the set that forms the foundation for my world view. 

We are delving into the basics of a philosophical world view that is suitable for humans.  Philosophy is unique to humans.  Humans are an existent within the scope of the Cosmos and have a unique set of characteristics that form the basis of their identity.  One of those characteristics is the concept of consciousness.  The concept of consciousness may be applicable to more than one type of existent.  With respect to humans, consciousness is that capability that enables humans to perceive that which exists.  That statement comprises the third axiom that forms the foundation of this humanist world view.   It is important to note that consciousness is a capability of an existent.  Something must exist for there to be consciousness.  This order of precedence is referred to as the “Primacy of Existence”.  This concept explicitly rejects the view that any amount or form of mental thought processes can violate the Law of Identity.  I may wish my Ford would turn into a Ferrari but the Law of Identity would be violated.   

As a beginning step, I can now state these truths that I unconditionally believe:

(1)          Something exists.

(2)         An existent is itself.

(3)         Consciousness is that capability that enables humans to perceive that which exists.

(4)         Something must exist for there to be consciousness.