humanism

Humanism

was a cultural movement that first began in Italian city-states in the 14th century. It developed during the 15th and 16th centuries.

characteristics

3

importants humanist

Anthropocentrism:

This individualist way of thinking focuses on humans and their capacity of making decisions using reason and intelligence.

The revival of Antiquity:

Humanists studied antiquity and revised classical thinking (Plato and Aristotle, mainly) to make it compatible with Christian values.

The love of knowledge:

Humanists believed that a person's prestige not only depended on their wealth and power, but also on their education. Humanists were experts in various fields. Example: Leonardo (painter, engineer, botanist)

Marsilio Ficino and Pico della Mirandola: they had a good knowledge of Latin, Greek and Christian tradition.

Erasmus of Rotterdam: He was a Dutch thinker who criticized the vices of society, especially those at the heart of the Church. His main work was In Praise of Folly.

Thomas Moore: He was an important English lawyer and author. He defended the right of the individual conscience against the power of the state.

Cardenal Cisneros: Spanish humanist who set up the University of Alcalá de Henares as a centre of theology. Due to his influence Humanism had a clear Christian character in Castilla.

Antonio de Nebrija: Spanish author who wrote the first grammar of the Castilian language.