The Renaissance

Humanism

System of thought

• Humanism is a learning philosophy concerned with human interests and values.

• The individual (rather than his/her group) is important and relevant to society.

• Educational mindset focused on the humanities

How can we improve our world?

Return to Antiquity

• Study of ‘ancient’ classical literature and languages

• A forward-thinking community=humans are intelligent and capable

• Public optimism for positive change and growth

“The Classics”

• Languages, literature, philosophy, art, HISTORY=the liberal arts and humanities

• Derives from Ancient Greece and Rome

• Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Homer

• Cicero

The Printing Press, 1440: Johann Gutenberg

The Father of Humanism

• Francis Petrarch (1304-1374)

• Scholar, poet, writer • ‘Renaissance

Humanist’• studied law, read

classical works, located old manuscripts

His influence• People began searching for ancient works• Embraced this ideology as a way of life, stressing the

importance of the individual• Manuscripts were worth $$• “Do as the ancient Romans did and study humankind.”

Cicero (106-43 B.C.E.)

• Roman constitutionalist, orator, lawyer, philosopher, political theorist

• The art of the refined letter

• Ciceronian ideal: A good Christian and active member of society, trained in eloquence, rhetoric, writing

• Innate rights

Educational Reform

• Separation from Church

• Books were more accessible, cheaper, accurate

• Literacy improved

Desiderius Erasmus (1466-1536)

• Catholic Priest and theologian in Netherlands, educated region

• Classical scholar• Produced satires

criticizing the Church’s abuses

• Believed in ‘free will’

The Praise of Folly

• "I am she—the only she, I may say—whose divine influence makes gods and men rejoice." (7)

• "Why am not I of right named and venerated as the alpha of all gods, who single-handed bestow all things on all men?" (14)

• "Folly is the one thing that makes fleeting youth linger and keeps ugly old age away." (19)

• "In sum, no society, no union in life, could be either pleasant or lasting without me." (28)