Humanism and the Renaissance

During the late 1300s, some European scholars began to turn their attention away from questions of church doctrine or faith. Like many ancient Greek philosophers, they began to value evidence and the use of reason, the power of the mind to think, understand, and form judgments. The scholars promoted the investigation of nature through observation. This philosophy later became known as humanism because the scholars stressed human innovation.

Before the Renaissance, many medieval Europeans believed that important knowledge had already been settled by ancient authorities and church teachings. Challenging accepted ideas could bring criticism or punishment. During the Renaissance, scholars increasingly tested these beliefs, helping lay the groundwork for the Scientific Revolution.

Galileo

Galileo Galilei was an Italian scientist who learned by observation. In Galileo’s time, most educated people believed that all heavenly bodies revolved around the Earth. Galileo constructed a telescope and observed four moons orbiting Jupiter. When Galileo published his discovery, a church court called the Inquisition found the scientist guilty of heresy. Heresy is an opinion that contradicts the official teaching of the church. The scientist was forced to publicly renounce his beliefs and was sentenced to house arrest for the last nine years of his life. A deeply religious man who respected his Christian faith, Galileo submitted to the sentence, but he continued to write and study from his home.

The Classics

The humanists studied the writings of the ancient Greeks and Romans. They called these works the classics, a term that meant the highest quality. In classical literature, Renaissance scholars found ideas about human nature and reason that aligned with their own thinking. Inspired by the ancient Greeks and Romans, Renaissance artists recreated classical styles in art, literature, and architecture.

Humanism’s Influence

The influence of humanism extended beyond science. In art and sculpture, humanism encouraged more realistic portrayals of people and nature. Before the Renaissance, European education focused heavily on religious authority and formal logic, the use of strict rules of reasoning to reach conclusions. Humanist educators stressed rhetoric, the art of speaking and writing effectively, ethics, the study of right and wrong, and the classics. They believed education should prepare people for active life in society, government, and civic leadership.

In 1459, humanist Battista Guarino wrote, “Each species has been allotted a peculiar and instinctive gift. To horses, galloping comes naturally; to birds, flying. But the desire to learn belongs to humankind.”