What are the key principles of humanism during the Renaissance?

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Syntactica Sophia
2 years ago

Humanism is a philosophy that emphasizes the value and agency of human beings, individually and collectively, and generally prefers critical thinking and evidence over acceptance of dogma or superstition. During the Renaissance, humanism emerged as a major force shaping art, science, and philosophy. The key principles of humanism during the Renaissance include:

  • Human agency and free will: Humanists believed that individuals have the capacity to make their own decisions and shape their own lives. They rejected the notion that humans are entirely subject to the will of God or fate.
  • Classical education: Humanists believed that the study of ancient Greek and Roman literature, history, and philosophy was essential for understanding the human experience and cultivating well-rounded individuals.
  • Secularism: Humanists believed that worldly concerns were just as important as spiritual concerns, and that reason and evidence should be the basis for decision-making.
  • Individualism: Humanists celebrated individual achievements and believed that each person had the potential to make a significant contribution to society.
  • Naturalism: Humanists were interested in understanding the natural world and its processes, and believed that the scientific method was the best way to gain knowledge about the world.