Humanism

Definition

Humanism is an intellectual movement that originated during the Renaissance, emphasizing the value and agency of human beings and focusing on classical texts and ideals. It marked a shift from medieval scholasticism to a more secular approach that celebrated human potential, reason, and creativity, influencing art, literature, and philosophy significantly during the Renaissance and Enlightenment periods.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Humanism played a crucial role in shifting focus from religious themes to individual experiences and secular topics in literature and art.
2. Key figures associated with humanism include Petrarch, Erasmus, and Leonardo da Vinci, who emphasized the study of classical texts.
3. The invention of the printing press allowed for the wider dissemination of humanist ideas, making literature more accessible to the public.
4. Humanism contributed to the development of modern science by encouraging observation and inquiry based on human reasoning rather than solely relying on religious explanations.
5. During the Enlightenment, humanist principles influenced political thought, leading to ideas about democracy, individual rights, and social contracts.

Review Questions

• How did humanism influence the artistic expressions of the Renaissance?
  • Humanism profoundly influenced Renaissance art by promoting themes centered around human experiences, emotions, and the beauty of the natural world. Artists began to focus on realistic portrayals of people and landscapes, moving away from strictly religious subjects. This shift is evident in works by artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, who incorporated classical ideals into their art while celebrating human anatomy and emotion.
• In what ways did humanism contribute to the transition from medieval to modern thought during the Renaissance?
  • Humanism contributed to this transition by challenging the dominant scholastic focus on theology and embracing a more secular worldview that valued individual reasoning and empirical observation. Scholars began to study classical texts, which led to new ways of thinking about ethics, science, and governance. This intellectual shift laid the groundwork for developments in philosophy and science that characterized modern thought.
• Evaluate the impact of humanist philosophy on Enlightenment thinkers and its relevance to contemporary society.
  • Humanist philosophy significantly shaped Enlightenment thinkers such as John Locke and Voltaire by promoting reason, individual rights, and skepticism towards traditional authority. These ideas paved the way for democratic principles that continue to influence contemporary society. The emphasis on human dignity and rationality remains relevant today as discussions around human rights, social justice, and ethics continue to evolve within modern philosophical debates.

Related terms

Renaissance: A cultural movement that spanned roughly from the 14th to the 17th century, characterized by a revival of interest in the classical art and ideas of Ancient Greece and Rome.

Secularism: The principle of separating religion from political, social, and educational institutions, promoting a worldview based on human values rather than religious doctrine.

Classicism: An artistic and literary style that draws inspiration from the art and literature of Ancient Greece and Rome, emphasizing harmony, balance, and proportion.