Humanism is a cultural and intellectual movement that emerged during the Renaissance, roughly from the 14th to the 17th centuries. It emphasized the value of human beings, the study of classical texts, and the importance of reason and individualism. Humanists advocated for a focus on education, ethics, and the potential for human achievement, contrasting with the medieval emphasis on religious dogma. This movement laid the groundwork for modern Western thought, influencing art, literature, science, and philosophy.
Humanism shifted Europe's focus from The Church, religion and God's will to the philosophy of secularism. The belief that humans have free will, rather than everything being God's will, caused philosophers to look toward individual expression, self examination and personal freedom.
The Renaissance marked a significant break from the medieval period by emphasizing humanism, which shifted focus from religious dogma to the value of individual experience and classical learning. This era saw a revival of arts and sciences, inspired by the study of ancient Greek and Roman texts, leading to innovations in painting, literature, and philosophy. Additionally, the development of new technologies, like the printing press, facilitated the spread of ideas and knowledge, further diminishing the Church's control over intellectual life. Overall, the Renaissance fostered a spirit of inquiry and creativity that contrasted sharply with the more rigid and religiously dominated medieval worldview.
The Renaissance of humanism, emphasizing the study of classical writings, shifted focus from religious dogma to the value of human experience and reason. This revival inspired advancements in art, science, and philosophy, fostering critical thinking and inquiry that laid the groundwork for the Enlightenment. By championing individual potential and the importance of secular knowledge, humanism influenced modern Western thought, education, and democratic ideals, shaping the future of society and culture.
Medieval art focused largely on the religious. Aside from that, however, there was always secular art produced, the Bayeux Tapestry being one example. The secular gradually became more important in the second half of the Middle Ages and was largely like art today in its subject matter, which included themes relating to love, war, normal life, and so on.
Humanism emphasized the importance of human values, dignity, and potential, shifting away from the traditional focus on religious or supernatural matters. It placed an emphasis on human reason, individualism, and critical thinking, marking a departure from the rigid dogmas of the past. Humanism also led to a revival of classical learning and a focus on secular subjects such as literature, history, and art.
Humanism shifted focus away from religious authority and tradition towards human potential and capabilities. It emphasized critical thinking, rationality, and individualism over dependence on divine revelation. This marked a shift towards a more human-centered worldview.
Renaissance
Medieval art tended to focus on the religious subjects theme.
The intellectual movement of the Renaissance was characterized by a revival of interest in classical learning, a focus on humanism and individualism, and advancements in science and the arts. It encouraged critical thinking, creativity, and a new approach to understanding the world. This period marked a shift from the medieval mindset to one that embraced cultural, artistic, and scientific innovations.
Scholasticism dealt with recent tradition. However, humanism did not focus all their attention on summarizing and comparing the views of recognized authorities on a text or question, but went directly to the sources themselves. Their most respected sources were classics (Latin and Greek) and the Bible (Church Fathers), whereas their scholastic rivals were more bound to medieval philosophers and theologians. There seems to be a thick line drawn between humanism and scholasticism in the Middle Ages. On one side is faith; the other side is reason. Humanism brought in the subjective elements of faith, trust and conscience while scholasticism emphasized reason.
Humanism is a concern and focus on human beings. Both the religious and the non-religious can care about others. But with a religious humanism, including a Christian humanism, the concern will first be with the god and obey the religion's rules and perhaps converting people to the religion. Then after all that, you might worry about the person starving to death. With a secular humanism your first concern is with the person starving. A religion will always put the god first, then people, even if the religion does care about the well being of other people. A secular humanism goes directly to caring about the person.
Religion
The Renaissance was characterized by a renewed interest in learning, the arts, and classical knowledge. It emphasized humanism, individualism, and a belief in the potential of human creativity and achievement. This period marked a shift from the medieval focus on the divine to a celebration of human intellect and potential.
Religious images were not a major focus of Renaissance art as opposed to Medieval art.
Northern humanism emphasized a greater focus on religious and moral reform, as well as a profound connection to Christian theology. It also placed a stronger emphasis on the importance of education and the development of the individual's relationship with God.
Religious Images were not a major focus of Renaissance art as opposed to medieval art.