Western Civ Exam I Flashcards
How did the Renaissance represent change?
Classical writing brought back by crusaders used to reconsider notions as opposed to confirm current notions. There was a push to become better not to accept status quo.
How did the agricultural revolution that occurred in 1100 AD change Western Europes economic, social and educational structures? How did this set the foundation for the renaissance?
- No longer in subsistence living.
- People developed different skills and could barter.
- Rise of secular education - Parents want children educated outside of church. MORE PEOPLE COULD READ
- Life expectancy was increased.
What socio - economic and cultural changes were starting to transform Europe in 1300. List 4 examples and their broader repercussions for the Renaissance.
- Revival of long distance trade - ability to spread ideas, culture in addition to goods.
- A middle class - Disposable income and backbone of democracy
- Modern state formation. Europe began to start looking like Europe.
- Renewed urbanization - Moving into cities - “Escape into the thicket of humanity”
What one word sums up the Renaissance? Give a brief definition and why this rediscovery was so important.
Rebirth. This rediscovery of the human form and intellectualism with critical thinking began the question of “Why?”
Two reasons why the renaissance centered in Italy.
Most advanced urban society in Europe and aristocrats lived in cities and not castles. Also, aristocrats and rich merchants blurred together, putting artists on payroll to compete
Why was Francis Petrarch considered to be the founder of the Renaissance and what was his philosophy?
He was a deeply committed Christians who felt that the church was misguided and he used scripture to challenge them. He looked to Plato and Aristotle which led him to become the “Father of Humanism” Humanism being the major underlying theme of the Renaissance.
How did Machiavelli portray politics and what was his attitude about human nature?
He wrote “The Prince” Is it better to be feared or loved? He was cynical about human nature. All are prompted by self interest and personal power. Stay in power at all costs.
Why did Civic Humanism represent a significant break from the Church?
It allowed for the idea that people that take their destiny into their own hands. That God is not needed exclusively to experience things.
7.) What is Civic Humanism and why was this so readily accepted by the middle and upper classes?
Started by Leonard Bruni and Leon Alberti. Citizens should serve the state. Wanted to return to the Roman Empire (Nationalism and Patriotism). Ambition and glory were noble. If you were poor you were a loser.
Who was Italy’s greatest political philosopher?
Machiavelli
What is Machiavellis greatest work and what did it promote?
The Prince. It taught how to win at politics and that a rulers primary concern is to maintain power no matter the cost. “Is it better to be loved or feared”
How did the northern regions contribute to Italy’s Renaissance?
Christian Humanism. The north was still rural and dominated by the church.
Who was the “prince of Humanists.”
Desiderious Erasmus
What is Desiderious Erasmus most known for?
His Greek New Testament (1516) is one of the important landmarks of biblical scholarship. Divested of errors and insertions.
What greek philosopher inspired Renaissance painters and how?
Aristotle. Artists carefully studied human anatomy, detailed sketches by da Vinci.
How did da Vincis work contribute to the rediscovery of the body and how did his works such as The Last Supper, Mona Lisa, etc. represent this new attitude.
The body is Gods greatest creation. The body is is the measure of the universe and not just to show suffering. This allowed for the worship of nature and believed in the divinity of all living things. Da Vinci also could paint emotion, linear prospective, shade. Inspired by Aristotle.
How did the increase in private wealth contribute to the Artistic Renaissance?
Artists were on payroll and were used for competition. Medici family
