Renaissance discussion

Renaissance discussion

The Renaissance was a period that saw numerous changes. Renaissance was marked by the humanistic revival or rebirth of classical Greek and Roman philosophy, expressed in all aspects of life, including art, literature, economics, culture, and politics. Humanism became prevalent during the Renaissance, an intellectual movement involving academics and human potential emphasis (Cartwright). Key humanists, including; Francisco Petrarch, Desiderius Erasmus, and Thomas More, contributed to numerous changes due to humanism.

Of all humanists, Petrarch is considered the founding father of humanism. Petrarch’s fascination with the classics led to the rediscovery of classical Greek philosophy, which led to the focus on humanity, a basis for humanism (Cartwright). Erasmus introduced free will and also tied Christianity to humanism, leading to the translation of the New Testament (Cartwright). More presented the idea of an ideal society where people work towards a common good and share in the society’s success (Cartwright). The aforementioned sum up works of these key humanists that contributed greatly to humanism.

From these works by the key humanists, it is evident that despite being humanists, they were different in terms of the human condition, illustrating how religious beliefs intersected with humanism. Regarding the human condition, Petrarch introduced the idea of human potential both intellectually and creatively, and, as a Catholic, Petrarch positioned that achieving humanity’s potential did not affect religious beliefs (Cartwright). In contrast, Erasmus introduced the vitality of education in the human condition or in being human (Cartwright), positing that religion needed education and thus advocated for humans to learn, going ahead to translate the New Testament. Conversely, Thomas More focused on humans being inherently good in nature and flourishing in a just and equal society, thus using humanism to defend religion from reformation due to the good nature of humanity.

Works Cited

Cartwright, Mark. “Renaissance Humanism.” World History Encyclopedia, 4 Nov. 2020, www.worldhistory.org/Renaissance_Humanism/.

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Renaissance discussion

Describe the work of the key humanists Petrarch, Erasmus, and More. Compare and contrast their ideas about the human condition, commenting on how religious beliefs intersect with humanism. 150 words minimum