Humanism

Definition

Humanism is a philosophical and cultural movement that emerged during the Italian Renaissance, emphasizing the inherent worth and potential of human beings. It shifted the focus from the divine and supernatural towards the centrality of human experience, reason, and individualism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Humanism emerged as a reaction against the medieval scholastic tradition, which was heavily focused on religious dogma and the authority of the Church.
2. Humanists emphasized the study of classical Greek and Roman texts, which they believed could provide valuable insights into human nature and the human condition.
3. Humanism promoted the idea of the 'Renaissance man,' an individual who was well-versed in a variety of disciplines, including the arts, sciences, and philosophy.
4. Humanists believed in the inherent dignity and worth of the individual, and they championed the idea of human agency and self-determination.
5. The humanist emphasis on secularism and individualism contributed to the decline of the feudal system and the rise of the merchant class during the Italian Renaissance.

Review Questions

• Explain how humanism challenged the dominant worldview of the medieval period.
  • Humanism challenged the medieval worldview, which was heavily influenced by the Catholic Church and its emphasis on religious dogma and the authority of the divine. Humanists shifted the focus away from the supernatural and towards the centrality of human experience, reason, and individualism. They promoted the study of classical Greek and Roman texts, which they believed could provide valuable insights into human nature and the human condition, rather than relying solely on religious teachings. This shift towards secularism and individualism contributed to the decline of the feudal system and the rise of the merchant class during the Italian Renaissance.
• Describe the concept of the 'Renaissance man' and its significance in the humanist movement.
  • The concept of the 'Renaissance man' was central to the humanist movement during the Italian Renaissance. Humanists believed that an individual should be well-versed in a variety of disciplines, including the arts, sciences, and philosophy. This idea of the 'Renaissance man' represented the humanist emphasis on the inherent dignity and worth of the individual, and their belief in human agency and self-determination. By promoting the idea of the 'Renaissance man,' humanists challenged the medieval tradition of specialization and encouraged a more holistic approach to education and personal development.
• Analyze the relationship between humanism and the decline of the feudal system during the Italian Renaissance.
  • The humanist emphasis on secularism and individualism played a significant role in the decline of the feudal system during the Italian Renaissance. Humanists challenged the authority of the Catholic Church and the divine right of monarchs, which were the foundations of the feudal system. By promoting the idea of human agency and self-determination, humanists undermined the hierarchical structure of the feudal system and paved the way for the rise of the merchant class, who were able to accumulate wealth and power outside of the traditional feudal structure. Additionally, the humanist focus on classical texts and the study of the humanities contributed to the development of new economic and political ideas that were incompatible with the feudal system, ultimately leading to its decline.

Related terms

Anthropocentrism: The belief that human beings are the central or most important element of existence, and that all other things exist primarily for the benefit of humankind.

Secularism:

The principle of separation of state and religious institutions, and the belief that public education and other matters of civil policy should be conducted without the influence of religious authority.

Individualism:

The moral stance, political philosophy, ideology, or social outlook that emphasizes the moral worth of the individual, and the importance of individual self-determination, freedom, and choice.