Chapter 3 The Humanist Approach

Worldviews Influenced Time Values Society

A Rebirth of Ideas A new way of thinking took place across the entire continent of Europe during the Renaissance. This new way of thinking originated in the northern city-states. Scholars from this region became known as humanists. “a person who adopts a system of thought that centers on the humans and their values, capacities, and worth; concerned with the interests, needs, and welfare of humans”.

Classical Writings These Italian scholars studied Greek and Roman writings and art and applied these classical ideas to their own lives. Philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle were studied from a Christian perspective. During the Renaissance these philosophers were studied in a different way.

Classical Writings Humanist ideas spread mainly across the wealthy people in society. Reading and discussing philosophy became trendy among the rich.

Borrowing from the Greeks and Romans Humanism Humanism Borrowing from the Greeks and Romans On Mind and Body “You should pray for a sound mind in a sound body” -Juvenal On History “To be ignorant of the Lives of the most Celebrated men of Antiquity (great age) Is to continue in a State of childhood all Our days” - Plutarch On Education “The educated differ From the uneducated As much as the living From the dead”. -Astistotle

Humanism and the Individual The main concept of the Renaissance thinkers was the belief in the “dignity and potential of the individual”. They believed that people should live there lives through their own efforts and talents. These new ideas were adapted into the Christian worldview “to develop one’s talents was to serve God, because God had provided you with those talents”.

Humanists Believed: People can think for themselves People must have an open, curious, and questioning mind People can achieve great things through education People should have many skills. They should develop both their body and mind

Humanist Scholars Saw the Classical Era (ancient Greece and Rome) as superior to the Medieval Age (deemed the Dark Age) Humanists saw the Renaissance as the “rebirth” of the classical era Put an emphasis on reading texts from the Classical Era

Civic Humanism Renaissance humanist were interested in what classical authors had written about good government. Cicero (philosopher) had an idea that public service was the duty of everyone in society. Civic humanists believed that being a responsible citizen meant educating yourself about history and political issues and working to improve society. Civic Humanist: Civic= citizen. Civic humanists are interested in how people can be good members of their society.

Humanist Education Renaissance thinkers put a lot of importance on education Leonardo Brundi on the wealthy merchant - “he never wasted time loitering, but returning home after business and spent his time in studying Greek and Latin”. Many humanists were dedicated teachers who ran their own schools It was important to train young peoples’ characters and bodies as well as their minds. This was known as “educating the whole child”

Humanism and Religion Religion played a major role in renaissance life Many humanists were devout christians

Society and the Arts During the Renaissance, artists became focused on showing on the beauty of the human body and the natural world Patrons: people who who paid artists to produce works, played an important role in promoting the arts during the Renaissance. Patrons included members of the new wealthy merchant class, as well as the government and the Church. Artist made works to decorate private homes or to display in public places

Painting Renaissance artists found inspiration in the art of the ancient Greeks and Romans. In the Middle Ages most art had a religious theme; this continued into the Renaissance Inspired by Renaissance ideas these religious works began to take on a new shape. Portraits and Landscapes began to become more popular

Architecture Architecture was very important in the Classical Era, during the Renaissance it shifted from a labour job to skilled job

Sculpture in the middle ages sculptors were seen as craftsmen rather than artists during the Renaissance artists became rock stars, this included sculptors

Literature Early renaissance writers focused on translating the ancient Greek and Roman works books written in the vernacular (commonly spoken languages) became more common. Humanist writers focused on expressing their thoughts and emotions. Love poems became very common Pisan (chapter 2) was a very important renaissance writer of the time