Humanism

What’s the big idea(s)?

What is Humanism?What was its influence and

significance?How was Humanism a

reflection of the notion of “Renaissance?

Aspects of Renaissance

Dignity of humankind

Individualism

Secular as valuable or of import

Development of historical scholarship

Humanism as an Intellectual Pursuit

Study of Latin and Greek classics for their own sake and preservation of church

Liberal arts:grammar

rhetoric

poetry

history

politics &

moral philosophy

Humanism as having Social Application

Aim to apply liberal arts to an in-the-world purpose

Civic Humanism

Christian Humanism

Francesco Petrarch (1304-1374)

“Father of Humanism”

Scholar

Read Cicero & commentary

Coined the term “Dark Ages”

Author:

Letters to the Ancient Dead

Lives of Illustrious Men

Petrarch continuedFirst modern writer

used writing “to consider the ebb and flow of his life and the human condition.”

Giovanni Bocaccio (1313-1375)From Florence

“Decameron”

100 tales of the human condition

10 each told by 7 women and 3 males

Also assembled encyclopedia of Greek and Roman mythology

Dante AlighieriVita Nuova

Divine Comedy

Inferno

Lorenzo VallaPhilologist-the use of words & language

Sees a God as Creator

Denounced authenticity of “Donation of Constantine”

Argued for notion of Free Will

Questioned levels of obedience and asceticism in religious orders

Leonardo Bruni 1370-1444

Chancellor of Republic of Florence

Wrote first modern history

History of the Florentine People

narrative account of Florence

Use of authentic sources

Discussion of other historical periods as context

Niccolo MachiavelliThe Prince (1513) a Political Science work observing how governments rule without morals (dedicated to Lorenzo Medici)

Italian City-States as models

“The end justifies the means”

“It’s better to be feared than loved”

Baldassare Castiglione 1478-1529

Wrote The Book of the Courtier

Gentleman raised for civil company

poised and well-dressed

skilled in arms and sports

capable of making music, conversation

reader of the classics

good

The Book of the Courtier, continued

Social mixer who is good-humored, light-hearted and considerate of others’ feelings

What were the Humanists’ aspirations?