Humanism

Definition

Humanism is an intellectual movement that emphasizes the value and agency of human beings, focusing on human potential and achievements rather than divine or supernatural matters. It originated during the Renaissance but significantly influenced the Enlightenment, encouraging a shift towards reason, science, and individualism that shaped colonial thought and the push for personal liberties in America.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Humanism encouraged thinkers to focus on human reason and experience rather than relying solely on religious doctrine, significantly shaping Enlightenment philosophy.
2. Prominent humanists like John Locke and Thomas Jefferson advocated for natural rights, emphasizing life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as fundamental to individual freedom.
3. The humanist movement contributed to a greater emphasis on education and literacy, promoting critical thinking and inquiry that underpinned revolutionary ideas in the American colonies.
4. Humanism's focus on individual potential fostered a spirit of questioning authority, which became central to revolutionary sentiments against British rule in America.
5. The principles of humanism laid the foundation for democratic ideals in the United States, influencing the development of a government based on consent of the governed.

Review Questions

• How did humanism influence Enlightenment thinkers in their approach to individual rights and governance?
  • Humanism played a crucial role in shaping Enlightenment thinkers' views on individual rights by emphasizing the importance of reason and personal agency. This led to the belief that individuals have inherent rights that should be protected by government. Thinkers like John Locke used humanist ideas to argue that governments should be established based on the consent of the governed, promoting principles like liberty and equality.
• What role did humanism play in shifting colonial attitudes toward education and literacy during the Enlightenment?
  • Humanism significantly shifted colonial attitudes toward education by promoting the idea that knowledge should be pursued for its own sake, not just for religious instruction. This led to increased literacy rates and the establishment of schools focused on teaching secular subjects alongside traditional religious ones. As more colonists embraced humanist principles, they became more engaged in critical thinking and discussions about governance and personal rights.
• Evaluate the impact of humanist ideals on the formation of American democratic principles during the revolutionary period.
  • Humanist ideals had a profound impact on the formation of American democratic principles during the revolutionary period. By championing individual rights and rational thought, these ideals helped to inspire revolutionary leaders who sought to create a government based on liberty, equality, and justice. The emphasis on reason over tradition encouraged colonists to challenge British authority, ultimately leading to a revolution that prioritized democracy and civil rights as foundational elements of the new nation.

Related terms

Renaissance: A cultural movement spanning the 14th to the 17th century that marked a revival of interest in the classical art, literature, and learning of ancient Greece and Rome, laying the groundwork for humanism.

Empiricism: A philosophical theory that states that knowledge comes primarily from sensory experience, which aligns with humanist principles by valuing observation and experimentation.

Secularism: The principle of separating religion from civic affairs and public education, promoting a worldview where human experiences and rational thought are prioritized over religious beliefs.