What’s a Renaissance man?

Idea developed in 15th-cent. Italy

One of first representatives was Leon Battista Alberti (1404-72), who said that

“a man can do all things if he will”

Alberti was architect, poet, painter, scientist, inventor, skilled horseman, etc.

Inspiration & example

basic ideas of Humanism; that men should embrace as much knowledge as possible

gifted figures of Renaissance like Leonardo da Vinci sought to develop skills in all areas of knowledge, such as history, art, physics, mathematics, sports, etc.

Precursor

polymath of classical age, who was skilled in many areas

e.g., Aristotle’s student Archimedes, who mastered several subjects like mathematics, physics, engineering, and philosophy

Differences

Renaissance man, like polymath, skilled in several areas and possesses strong knowledge in those areas

genius possesses highly specialized knowledge usually in one area of study

generalist has limited knowledge in many areas

dilettante is amateur who dabbles in many areas of knowledge

Suspicions

some debate as to whether or not many Renaissance men only dilettantes

such questioning product of 19th cent., when age of modern specialization and “professionalism” began