The Renaissance Humanism. System of thought Humanism is a learning philosophy concerned with human...
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Transcript of The Renaissance Humanism. System of thought Humanism is a learning philosophy concerned with human...
The Renaissance
Humanism
System of thought
• Humanism is a learning philosophy concerned with human interests and values.
• The individual (rather than his/her group) is important and relevant to society.
• Educational mindset focused on the humanities
How can we improve our world?
Return to Antiquity
• Study of ‘ancient’ classical literature and languages
• A forward-thinking community=humans are intelligent and capable
• Public optimism for positive change and growth
“The Classics”
• Languages, literature, philosophy, art, HISTORY=the liberal arts and humanities
• Derives from Ancient Greece and Rome
• Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Homer
• Cicero
The Printing Press, 1440: Johann Gutenberg
The Father of Humanism
• Francis Petrarch (1304-1374)
• Scholar, poet, writer • ‘Renaissance
Humanist’• studied law, read
classical works, located old manuscripts
His influence• People began searching for ancient works• Embraced this ideology as a way of life, stressing the
importance of the individual• Manuscripts were worth $$• “Do as the ancient Romans did and study humankind.”
Cicero (106-43 B.C.E.)
• Roman constitutionalist, orator, lawyer, philosopher, political theorist
• The art of the refined letter
• Ciceronian ideal: A good Christian and active member of society, trained in eloquence, rhetoric, writing
• Innate rights
Educational Reform
• Separation from Church
• Books were more accessible, cheaper, accurate
• Literacy improved
Desiderius Erasmus (1466-1536)
• Catholic Priest and theologian in Netherlands, educated region
• Classical scholar• Produced satires
criticizing the Church’s abuses
• Believed in ‘free will’
The Praise of Folly
• "I am she—the only she, I may say—whose divine influence makes gods and men rejoice." (7)
• "Why am not I of right named and venerated as the alpha of all gods, who single-handed bestow all things on all men?" (14)
• "Folly is the one thing that makes fleeting youth linger and keeps ugly old age away." (19)
• "In sum, no society, no union in life, could be either pleasant or lasting without me." (28)