English+Renaissance-+Renaissance+Thought,Worldview,Humanism


 * English Renaissance- Renaissance Thought, Worldview and Humanism

Renaissance can be defined as "rebirth"- this explains the major shift in culture, human values, and perceptions

Renaissance Europeans had a new focus on arts and literature, the beauty of nature, human impulses, and a new sense of mastery over the world. In the past, Europeans had never really tried to push boundaries but during the Renaissance they reinterpreted past ideas and philosophies in order to expand the scientific, geographical, and philosophical boundaries.

During the Medieval Era personal worth was based on who you knew and what groups you were associated with. However, during the Renaissance an emphasis was placed on the individual and human potential. Each person was expected to take the opportunities available to them and make themselves better. This is reflected in the new philosophy of humanism.

Humanism: a variety of ethical theory and practice that emphasizes reason, scientific inquiry, and human fulfillment in the natural world and often rejects the importance of belief in God.

The Renaissance saw an increase in philosophical and scientific views such as Heloicentrism (belief that the sun is at the center of the solar system), Hermeticism (a philosophical or religious set of views that is based on Egytian and Greek religious views and majorly influenced bythe writings of Hermes Trismegistus), Humanism (a philosophical view that all humans are of value; this view is completely independent and disassociated with any religiousness or supernaturality), and Secularism (the belief that government should operate seperatly and independently of any religion or religious belief). [AM]

The Renaissance also saw a return to the views of Plato being held in higher regard than Aristotle. [AM]**

By: Kendra Lied and Nadine Yunginger And: Addison Martin