The Humanism was a philosophical and literary movement that took place in the 14th and 15th centuries, in the Italian Peninsula.
Initially, the term was used to designate the studies of the humanities, ie:classical literature, history, dialectics, rhetoric, arithmetic, natural philosophy and modern languages.
Later, it receives this name because it represents the idea that man would be at the center of everything (anthropocentric), unlike the medieval mentality, which was theocentric.
In fact, the humanists rejected the medieval period and called this time the “Dark Ages”, while they represented the “Renaissance”.
In literature, they highlighted the mythological theme, hedonism and nature as a place of harmony.
Humanist philosophers valued the human being, investigation through scientific (empirical) methods and the ideas of Classical Antiquity.
Characteristics of Humanism
Humanism sought in reason the explanation for the phenomena of the world.
For the humanist, a student of Classical Antiquity, only with order was it possible to achieve harmony. This principle served both art and politics.
In this way, anthropocentrism arises, where man and not God would be at the center of the universe.
It does not mean that religion has been abandoned, nor has it ceased to be part of human beings' lives. However, man now sees himself as the protagonist of history, endowed with intelligence and will, and capable of changing his destiny.
Thus, renaissance man does not accept preconceived truths, as everything must be proved through experimentation (empiricism).
An example is the new sciences that emerged at this time:
- Philology - study of the origin of words
- Historiography – study of writing history
- Anatomy – study of the functioning of the human body
Humanism in Literature
Humanism was an eminently literary movement. At this time, poetry, always linked to music, becomes an independent genre.
The authors recovered the theme of Greco-Roman mythology and with that they wrote plays, poetry and prose.
Hedonism will be present valuing the young, graceful woman with harmonious forms. This idea will also be used by painters and sculptors.
For its part, nature will be a space of peace, as described by Latin authors.
It is important to emphasize that there will be room for both classical mythology and religious and moralizing works. After all, the authors were Catholics and were concerned with adapting this new worldview to Christian beliefs.
Authors such as Erasmus of Rotterdam and Tomás More will be the main names of Christian Humanism with books on spirituality and moral conduct, according to the teachings of Christianity.
Portuguese Humanism
Portuguese Humanism opens with the production of Gil Vicente (1465 -1536?).
This author wrote acts and farces to be represented to the Portuguese court.
In his works, criticism of society stands out, as we can find in “Auto da Barca do Inferno”, where characters from different social conditions enter the boat of the Angel or the Devil.
Renaissance Humanism
Humanism takes place within the Renaissance, between the 14th and 15th centuries, in the Italian Peninsula, especially in Florence.
At the time, this city was one of the most important commercial centers in the world. The great families, like the Medici, the workers' unions and the Church launched themselves to sponsor artists and literati to show their wealth.
Artistic activity acquires great social prestige, as the artist is someone who now creates and does not just repeat previously established models.
This period was characterized by the appreciation of Classical Antiquity and new readings were made of philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle. Likewise, the geographical discoveries in Africa and America expanded the European horizon.
This mentality first spread to the kingdoms closest to the Italian Peninsula such as Spain and France.
Humanism in Philosophy
Humanism in philosophy is a school present both in the Renaissance and in the 20th century, when it receives the name of humanist philosophy.
Renaissance philosophers such as Giannozzo Manetti (1396-1459) valued man's earthly experience. For him, the human being was a rational animal, endowed with intelligence and sagacity.
In this line, Marsilio Ficino (1433-1499), defends that the spiritual life must be based on an interior devotion and not through external rites.
Finally, Giovanni Pico della Mirandolla (1463-1494) summed up in his works the spirit of the Renaissance:questioning, cultural and religious tolerance, and obtaining knowledge from different knowledges.
Humanists
In addition to the authors cited above, other important humanist writers were:
Lorenzo de Medici (1449-1492):diplomat, poet and ruler of Florence (1469-1492), Lorenzo de Medici maintained the patronage initiated by his grandfather. In addition, he sent artists to different European courts, helping to spread humanist art. One of his best-known works is the carnival song “The Triumph of Bacchus and Ariadne ”, written in 1490.
Nicolau Machiavelli (1469-1527):philosopher, diplomat of the Republic of Florence from 1498 to 1512 and considered the founder of political science. His name has become an adjective in popular and erudite culture:“Machiavellian”. This expression was used to describe his book “The Prince ” (1516), where he defended that the interests of the State must be above all.
Cardinal Cisneros (1436-1517):Archbishop of Toledo, cardinal and regent of the kingdom of Castile, after the death of Isabella the Catholic. Founder of the University of Alcalá and sponsor of the polyglot Bible. He reformed the Franciscan order, applying measures that would only be established by the universal Church nearly half a century later. He also took over the Court of the Inquisition and imposed cash rather than physical penalties.
Nicholas of Cusa (1401-1464):born in Germany, cardinal, jurist and theologian, his best-known work is “On Learned Ignorance ”, from 1440. In this book he defends ignorance, after all we will never reach all knowledge. That doesn't mean we should stop trying, because only the way to God (who is unreachable) will quiet our limited mind.
Secular Humanism
From the humanist ideas of the 14th century, secular humanism, humanistic psychology and humanistic pedagogy emerged.
This movement places emphasis on human dignity, considering the human being as a rational being, capable of doing good and avoiding evil. For this, it is necessary to cultivate moral education, but also not to despise technological and scientific innovations.
Humanists argue that, once the physiological needs of human beings are satisfied, they are able to seek the best for themselves and for humanity.
We have more texts on Humanism for you :
- Characteristics of Humanism
- Renaissance Humanism
- Humanism
- Erasmus of Rotterdam
- Reformation and Counter-Reformation