Humanism

Introduction

From the late 12th century, the city-states in Italy started to grow and there were many changes seen in society. Italy became the first country to have universities in Europe. It became a hub for culture and education. Some famous centres for education were the University of Bologna and Padua.

University of Bologna

Benoit Soubeyran, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

The main occupation in the city-state was trade and business and for that people needed lawyers and legal advisors who could form the documents and agreements and do the paperwork for the business. Law was the most studied subject there but gradually during the Renaissance, there was a shift in education. The laws were studied in the context of ancient Roman culture.

Scholars like Francesco Petrarca stressed that ancient civilizations can only be better understood through their actual writings. So, he emphasised the reading of old books and scholars of ancient Rome Greeks. This shift in education implied that there are many things which cannot be understood by religious teachings, so people should find another way. This form of teaching was termed ‘Humanism’ by 19th-century Historians. Humanities originated from the Latin word ‘Humanitas’. The word Humanitas was used by ancient Roman lawyer Cicero in 1BCE. Humanitas mean Culture.

Francesco Petrarca

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Italian Humanism

• The idea of Humanism was adopted from the use of Humanities by Cicero.

• Italy became a hub for modern education and new ideas led to the foundation of new Universities.

• One of the most famous Universities was established in Florance, which was the hometown of Patrarcha.

• In the 15th century, a drastic change was seen in Florance, artists like Dante and Giotto and many others with their artistic talent, forged the city of Florance into one of the most intellectual cities in Europe.

• During the 15th century, the term ‘Humanist’ was used to describe individuals who had mastery over Philosophy, poetry, Grammar and History.

• Humanists believed in the importance of Classical literature and these kinds of literature influence civic virtue.

• The term Renaissance Humanism can be simply defined as an intellectual movement which believed that learning the classical culture of Greek and Rome can offer a cultural rebirth after the immoral teachings of the Middle Ages.

Elements of Italian Renaissance

• The study of Arts, Painting, Culture and literature from ancient Greeks and Romans.

• An interest in the use of Latin and ancient grammar.

• Humanists believed that knowledge about their past can help people in becoming virtuous citizens.

• The promotion of Civic culture and tranquillity after the dark ages.

• Humanists discarded the study of only the religious scriptures, but they also promoted reading non-religious scriptures, which were filled with new scientific ideas.

• Humanists believed in the importance of observation, individualism, critical thinking and creativity.

• They believed that through artistic creativity a society can re-emerge back to its glory.

The Humanist View of History

• Humanists were in believe that the dark ages started after the fall of the Roman empire.

• They were working for the revival of the glory of ancient Rome.

• Historians and scholars believe that after the 14th century a new age started.

• After the 1000 years of the fall of the Roman empire was given the term Middle Ages.

• Historians believe that in the Middle Ages the Church seized the power of the common man and used to dictate every aspect of people's life and society.

• The total control of the Church over people’s minds had removed all the knowledge gained by the Greeks and Romans.

• The Humanists in the new ages started learning about the ancient Roman and Greek culture and started studying their original scriptures

• Humanists used the term Modern for the period after the 15th century.

• The period between the 5th century and the 14th century was considered the Middle Age.

• The Middle Age was divided into, The Dark Age (5th century to 9th century).

• The Early Middle Age (9th century to 11th century)

• The Later Middle Age (11th century to 14th century)

• The Modern Age started after the 15th century.

Principles of Humanism

• Humanism is moral and ethical. it is an intrinsic part of human nature. It focuses on individualism.

• Humanists used the application of science as well as human value. They consider science as the means and human values give the ends.

• Emphasises human freedom and dignity.

• At the core of Humanism is the development of society with the help of ancient culture.

• Humanism always gives preference to common goods.

• It provides an alternative to the dogmatic religion.

• It gives value to artistic culture, creativity and literature.

Conclusion

The idea of Humanism became prominent in the 14th century, when scholars like Francesco Petrarca claimed that the rebirth of civilization can take place by reading about the Ancient Greek and Roman cultures. There was a major shift in education was seen during this period. scholars started going back to original texts written by ancient scholars.

The idea of humanism was that in the Middle Ages the church has hijacked the social and intellectual sphere and it has blocked new ideas and that is why people needed to read non-religious texts and know about their history. Humanists were following the idea that a city can be known for its citizens as much as it is known for its wealth. During the Renaissance then people started following a more artistic approach toward society and the term Renaissance man was coined. It describes a man with many skills and creativity. The start of the Modern age according to Humanists was the result of the change in the intellect of people.

FAQs

Q1. What do you mean by Renaissance Humanism?

Ans. The term Renaissance Humanism stands for the intellectual revolution that started in the 15thcentury and focused on the classical Roman and Greek cultures. It emphasises more on the use of non-religious literature.

Q2. What are the characteristics of Humanism?

Ans. Humanism believes in the value of classical literature and the civic virtue of the individual which is beneficial for the individual as well as for the common good.

Q3. How do Renaissance architecture and arts show the signs of Humanism?

Ans. The Arts and architecture of the Renaissance show the use of Science and Mathematics for the correct pattern and proportion of buildings.

Q4. What are the three basic beliefs of Humanism?

Ans. Three basic beliefs of Humanism are

• Education.

• Reason.

• Individualism.

Q5. What does Uomini Universali mean?

Ans. Uomini Universali is the idea of Italian Humanism which means, rational men who could be useful to society. Humanists wanted to change society with the help of such men.