Humanism. Whats the big idea(s)? What is Humanism? What was its influence and significance? How was Humanism a reflection of the notion of Renaissance?

Presentation on theme: "Humanism. Whats the big idea(s)? What is Humanism? What was its influence and significance? How was Humanism a reflection of the notion of Renaissance?"— Presentation transcript:

1 Humanism

2 Whats the big idea(s)? What is Humanism? What was its influence and significance? How was Humanism a reflection of the notion of Renaissance?

3 Aspects of Renaissance Dignity of humankind Individualism Secular as valuable or of import Development of historical scholarship

4 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

5 Humanism as having Social Application Aim to apply liberal arts to an in-the-world purpose Civic Humanism Christian Humanism

6 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

7 Petrarch continued First modern writer used writing to consider the ebb and flow of his life and the human condition.

8 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

9 Dante Alighieri Vita Nuova Divine Comedy Inferno

10 Lorenzo Valla Philologist-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

11 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

12 Niccolo Machiavelli The 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 Its better to be feared than loved

13 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

14 The Book of the Courtier, continued Social mixer who is good-humored, light- hearted and considerate of others feelings

15 What were the Humanists aspirations?