RENAISSANCE HUMANISM Meaning and
Definition
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Renaissance humanism is a cultural, intellectual, and philosophical movement that emerged during the European Renaissance in the 14th to 16th centuries. It can be defined as a revival and renewed interest in the classical Greco-Roman literature, art, and philosophy. This movement was characterized by a focus on human values, dignity, and potential, emphasizing human accomplishments, culture, and secular matters as opposed to solely spiritual concerns.
Renaissance humanism was deeply influenced by the values and ideas of ancient Greece and Rome. It emphasized the importance of the individual, promoting the idea that humans possess inherent dignity, free will, and the ability to shape the world around them. Renaissance humanists sought to liberate humanity from the limitations of medieval scholasticism and religious dogma by promoting critical thinking, a broad knowledge base, and an understanding of the liberal arts.
These humanists believed in the importance of education and the study of the humanities, including grammar, rhetoric, history, philosophy, poetry, and art. They aimed to revive ancient literature and scholarship, translating and studying classical texts to develop a comprehensive understanding of the human experience. Renaissance humanism also emphasized the concept of virtù, which encompassed qualities such as moral excellence, wisdom, and well-roundedness.
Renaissance humanism had a profound impact on various aspects of European society, including the arts, politics, religion, and education. Its ideas contributed to fostering a new cultural identity and intellectual atmosphere characterized by progress, innovation, and a human-centered worldview. Renaissance humanism played a pivotal role in shaping the modern world and laying the foundations for the Enlightenment and subsequent periods of intellectual and cultural development.
Etymology of RENAISSANCE HUMANISM
The word "renaissance" comes from the French word "naissance", which means "birth" or "rebirth". It refers to the period in Europe from the 14th to the 17th century, known as the Renaissance, characterized by the revival of learning, arts, and sciences after the Middle Ages.
"Humanism" originates from the Latin word "humanitas", which encompasses qualities like humanity, benevolence, and culture. In the early modern period, it referred to a movement that emphasized the study of classical literature, philosophy, and human values.
When combined, "renaissance humanism" refers to the intellectual movement that emerged during the Renaissance, focusing on the revival and study of classical texts and a broader emphasis on human potential, human values, and individualism.
