Humanism, arts + learning under H7

Which movement did Humanism have its origins in?

The Renaissance

What were some authors that scholars drew humanist ideas from?

Plato and Aristotle

What did H do that showed he was a patron of the arts but also used propaganda?

Employed creatives to write positively about Tudor England - e.g. Poet John Skelton was paid to write enthusiastically about how happy England was under H’s wise ruling

What about the education of H’s children showed he was supportive of newer ideas/

They received an education reflective of the Renaissance, with a great emphasis being placed on things like foreign languages and classics as well as religion

What did Humanists want that was a bit controversial?

They attacked some of the Church’s practices - e.g. wanted to improve standards of education amongst the clergy and laity, criticised the Church’s exploitation of practices like indulgences

Who was Erasmus?

A Dutch Humanist scholar

Who did John Skelton (the poet H employed) a tutor of?

The future H8

Which future chancellor to H8 was also a Humanist?

Thomas More

What sort of reforms did Erasmus push?

Reforms within the Catholic Church and the promotion of learning

What was the name of Erasmus’ handbook which outlined guidelines for a Christian life?

Handbook of the Christian Knight

What did Erasmus push in his book, Handbook of the Christian Knight?

A greater emphasis on inward and personal faith, centred on prayer and personal reflection

What evidence is there that the impact of humanist thought and literature was little?

Only the educated were really aware of it, traditional Church ideas and practices such as saints and miracles still remained central to religious practice

When was the printing press brought to England?

1476

Why was the introduction of the printing press significant for religion in England?

New material was circulating that was in English as opposed to Latin, it encouraged the spread of new Humanist ideas

What evidence is there that H cared little for Humanist ideas?

He preferred stories of chivalry as opposed to the Humanist material that was circulating

Which kind of texts did Humanists want to rediscover?

Latin and Greek

How did the Humanists link classical ideas w/ the Church?

Christian Humanists looked back at original texts/languages of the Bible to find its original meaning and emphasise the need for spirituality rather than penance

How did H promote printing w/in the court?

He created the role of King’s Printer