The Idea Of Humanism And The Rennaisance

Essay, Research Paper

The Rennaissance was an incredibly important turning point in Western Intellectual and Cultural tradition. All of these changes centered around the idea of Humanism-in which, people became les “God Centered” and more “Human Centered.” These changes can be narrowed down into three major categories;Political, Educational, and the Arts.

The Major political changes of the renaissance were from teh old Feudal system of the Middle Ages into a more flexible and liberal class system. Thsi was most noticable in Italy (particularly Florence), wehre the divisions conisted of teh old rich, the new rich nobles, the middle class, and the lower middle class. The poor did not count. Tis created great conflict between social divisions. The new rich consisted of successful merchants, captilists, and banking innovators of money making. The Humanism philosiphy was also very popular with the people and politcal leaders who rose to power with the support of these ideals. Three humanists even became chanellors of Florence-they used their rhetorical skills to stronly rally the people of Florence against their enemies.

The great changes in education of the Renaissance were inspired at first, by the desire of Humasnists to be wise and to speak eloquently. The idea of a useful education for the people, and very ‘well rounded’ schooling in many different fields of learning were the new defined goals of Renasiance educaiton. People all over revived the Ancient Greek studies of Plato and Aristotl. People began seriously questioning what these men said an re-developed the “Scientific Theory” in which you did not just accept whatever was said, but tested the truth of it.

In the area of Humansim and the Arts, Renaissance Artist no longer were subordinate to the interests and the values of the Clergy, and were able to create anything of their artistic will. Both men and women were now able to appreciate arts beyond religious themes. Artists could also now take advantage of new techniques, such as oil painting and linear perspecive to enhance the quality of their works. All of the great artists of the tiem became great because of the artistic freedom the Renaissance brought them. These artist also created works that were more complex than there predecessors. Taking advantage of this, artists like Leonardo Da Vinci-who is the ultimate example of a Renassance man working in all types of educational fields, and Michalangelo who is possibly the most famous artist and sculpto in history.

The Renaissance was a major turning point in history from the Middle Ages in just about every aspect of society. The Rennissce has truly become the origin of western culture. Whis was the time when people questinoed the past, and redirected their energies into education.