Renaissance humanism Flashcards
What is Renaissance Humanism?
A cultural and intellectual movement that emerged in 14th-century Italy, reviving classical learning and emphasizing human potential.
What historical context led to Renaissance Humanism?
It shifted from medieval scholasticism to a focus on classical texts and humanistic values.
What are the core principles of Renaissance Humanism?
Revival of Classical Antiquity, focus on human potential, and educational reform.
What does the revival of Classical Antiquity involve?
Studying Greek and Roman literature, philosophy, and art.
How does Renaissance Humanism emphasize human potential?
It emphasizes individual capabilities and achievements.
What educational reforms were introduced by Renaissance Humanism?
Liberal arts studies—grammar, rhetoric, poetry, history, and moral philosophy.
What was the significance of Renaissance Humanism?
It moved beyond purely theological studies to a broader view of human knowledge and influenced Renaissance art, literature, and political thought.
How does Scholasticism differ from Humanism?
Scholasticism aimed to reconcile Christian theology with philosophical reasoning, while Humanism focused on classical texts and understanding human nature and ethics.
What impact did Renaissance Humanism have on education?
It shifted education from theology-based studies to a broader humanistic curriculum.
What cultural and scientific advancements were inspired by Renaissance Humanism?
Inspired works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Dante, and Petrarch, and encouraged empirical observation influencing figures like Copernicus and Galileo.
How did the printing press contribute to Renaissance Humanism?
It spread humanist ideas across Europe.
What educational reforms were promoted during the Renaissance?
New schools and universities promoted classical studies in Latin and Greek.
How did Renaissance Humanism influence political thought?
It influenced governance, individualism, and civic responsibility.
Who is Petrarch and what is his significance?
Known as the ‘Father of Humanism’ for reviving classical Latin and emphasizing individual experience and personal development.
What contributions did Erasmus of Rotterdam make to Humanism?
Advocated moral reform through education and is famous for The Praise of Folly and his critical edition of the New Testament.
What was Leonardo Bruni’s role in Renaissance Humanism?
A humanist historian who emphasized civic responsibility and wrote extensively on Florentine history and education.
How did Humanism influence St. Thomas More?
More’s education was rooted in classical learning and he applied humanist principles in his political and ethical philosophy.
What themes are present in More’s Utopia?
Social critique, classical influence, and Erasmus’ influence shaped More’s approach to education and reform.
What economic impacts did Renaissance Humanism have?
Humanist precision and rational thinking contributed to double-entry bookkeeping.
How does Renaissance Humanism relate to modern financial systems?
Modern financial systems emphasize transparency, ethics, and accountability—values rooted in humanist thought.
What political principles did Renaissance Humanism advocate?
Rational decision-making and civic responsibility, stressing the choice of leaders based on wisdom and ethical leadership.
How does Renaissance Humanism address modern challenges in education?
The liberal arts model persists in universities.
In what ways do humanist principles influence corporate governance?
They influence ethics and accountability in financial responsibility.
How does Renaissance Humanism relate to technology and innovation today?
The spirit of blending classical knowledge with new ideas mirrors today’s digital and AI advancements.
What is the overall conclusion about Renaissance Humanism?
It revolutionized European thought by reviving classical learning, emphasizing human potential, and reforming education, with lasting influence in modern political, economic, and ethical frameworks.
