I've heard discussions among humanists about what the word "humanism" implies.

As I understand it, generally, "humanism" means that humans construct our own values, free of the influence of theism, as opposed to trying to "discover" or "obey" what God has ordered. I think all humanists agree on this point.

The part that is sometimes debated is whether we humans should consider and value the existence of other species. To me, it's obvious that we must. Thus, for me, the only coherent interpretation of humanism would be to leave it at humans make our own values, and not to add ...aiming at the benefit of humans exclusively, as other species aren't valid beneficiaries of our interest or care. That second claim doesn't hold water. So it doesn't need to be part of "humanism."

But a lot of people hear "humanism" and assume it means we care only about humans. Some humanist philosophy is done with that assumption. Not all, fortunately.