Humanism Essay example - 1241 Words

Humanism Humanism was a new way of thinking that came about in fourteenth century, the time of the Renaissance. Many scholars refer to it as the Spirit of the Renaissance. Humanism was a lay phenomenon that emphasized human beings - as opposed to deities - as well as their interests, achievements and capabilities. Humanism is derived from the Latin word humanitas, which Cicero, the noted orator of the Roman Empire, referred to as the literary culture needed by anyone who would be considered educated and civilized. Humanism and Literature Humanists searched for wisdom from the past. They copied the lifestyles of the ancient Greeks and Romans. They also traced their families back to the days of the ancient Romans.†¦show more content†¦Giovanni Pico della Mirandola wrote an essay entitled Oration on the Dignity of Man, in which he said that the reason for mans dignity is that he was created in Gods image. He said that mans place in the universe is between the beasts and the angels, but because of his divine image, he can choose his fate and there are no limits to what he can accomplish. Another literary humanist of the renaissance was Erasmus, who wrote The Shipwreck. Erasmus was a satirist who, in The Shipwreck, made fun of the way people practiced their religions. He showed how some people were hypocritical, they say one thing but practice something else. He also made fun of people who made extravagant offerings to many saints and gods alike. Humanism and Art In history, art has often been used by the church to educate the illiterate. The church invested money to decorate its churches and cathedrals with art depicting scenes from the Bible. Even if not commissioned by the church, artists often chose to depict Biblical scenes. As humanism became more widespread in Europe, however, art steadily became more secular. As classical texts brought about a deeper understanding of the ancient cultures, classical themes such as pagan gods appeared more often in art. Religious art, however, never disappeared. Artists depicted scenes differently. For example, medieval artists depiction of Genesis showed the fall from grace of Adam and Eve, whereas Renaissance artistsShow MoreRelatedHumanism Essay464 Words   |  2 PagesHumanism Encarta Dictionary says that Humanism is a system of thought that centers on human beings and their values, capacities and worth. Encarta also goes on the say that, in philosophy, humanism is an attitude that emphasizes the dignity and worth of an individual. A basic premise of humanism is that people are rational beings who possess within themselves the capacity for truth and goodness. I see myself as a being a humanist through everyday life. I always try to see the good in a personRead MoreThe Philosophical Point Of Humanism1733 Words   |  7 Pages intellect.gif (9933 bytes) Renaissance Humanism Humanism is the term generally applied to the predominant social philosophy and intellectual and literary currents of the period from 1400 to 1650. The return to favor of the pagan classics stimulated the philosophy of secularism, the appreciation of worldly pleasures, and above all intensified the assertion of personal independence and individual expression. Zeal for the classics was a result as well as a cause of the growing secular view of lifeRead MoreHumanism and the Renaissance Arts1289 Words   |  5 Pageschanged, religion could no longer control their lives and Allowed advancements in all characteristics of life to virtually improved. Through the period of the Renaissance, ideas and beliefs changed greatly. Humanism played a significant role in the advancements of the Renaissance. Humanism, stressed secular ideas and beliefs; as well as the importance of advocating human’s ideas and values. The movement drew inspirations from the ancient Greek and Roman people. Therefore, classical education beganRead MoreDante And The Road Of Humanism1347 Words   |  6 PagesDante and the Road to Humanism During the Renaissance, the ideology of humanism became extremely popular. After the black plague people presumed that God had abandoned them. As a result, they began to search for their own answers through observation and experimentation; this method was called empiricism. Through this, man began to place himself at the center of the universe instead of God. Individuals began to embrace their own talents and spend less time worrying about the next life and moreRead MoreHumanism and the Renaissance Essay2019 Words   |  9 PagesHumanism and Renaissance Humanism brought MAN to the forefront causing a veritable cultural revolution. Reason and the will to better understand the world fomented progress in the scientific fields. Intellectuals throughout Europe came under the influence of humanism which was disseminated with the invention of the printing press and the guidance of princes. Finally, humanism had a religious impact as well with the protestant reformation and bringing religious pluralismRead MoreSecular Humanism Essay1521 Words   |  7 PagesThe fall 1986 Tennessee court decision on alleged secular humanism in Holt, Rinehart, Winston textbooks illustrates the continuing controversy over that term. The term secular humanism is used today to castigate a wide spectrum of our populous. The derision with which the term is used suggests images of horrid, grotesque monsters. In reality, however, the term merely consists of two sorely misunderstood words. In combination they suggest a virus, though singly they are innocuous, if not healthyRead MoreRenaissance Humanism : The Renaissance1209 Words   |  5 PagesRenaissance Humanism The renaissance is by its definition a rebirth of the classical methods of the ancients (Dictionary.) Through the study of the text and the artwork that defined this period we are able to see the transition from a dark, apocalyptic world, to a reinvigorated and bright new era which was dominated by titan of artistry such as Donatello. Because Italy was so well situated in a land that was formally the Roman Empire, and its economic links to lands of heavy Greek influence RenaissanceRead More The Renaissance and Humanism Essay1795 Words   |  8 PagesThe Renaissance and Humanism You may wonder about, The Renaissance and its relationship to another term, humanism which fits into the same time period. If you check the dictionary, you will find that both terms can be used in a broad sense or more specifically. Humanism refers generally to a devotion to the humanities: literary culture. (My definitions come from Websters Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary). According to that definition we should all be humanists. The other general meaningRead MoreHumanism: Renaissance and Merchant Class1743 Words   |  7 PagesEssay on Humanism The Renaissance is the label we put upon the emergence of a new perspective and set of ideals in Europe. This does not mean that it was sudden, neat and clean. It was gradual, inconsistent, and variable from place to place. The Renaissance had its origins in Italy because a powerful merchant class arose in its cities that replaced the landed aristocracy and clergy as the leaders of society. This new class, along with many aristocrats and clergy, embraced humanistRead MoreRenaissance Humanism Essay816 Words   |  4 Pagesimpact on the world. Humanism is a worldview and a moral philosophy that considers humans to be of primary importance. The aspect of humanism first thrived in 14th century Italy, and later spread north in the 15th century. Initially humanistic ideas about education were quickly adopted by the Italian upper class. The Italian ideas and attitudes towards life and learning impacted nobility in other parts of Europe. They were able to accept and adapt to th is new lifestyle. Humanism during the Renaissance