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Covers the shift to humanism during the Renaissance.
Humanism
Expanding human potential and studying human nature with classical (Greek/Roman) texts
Burckhardt - argument
The Renaissance was marked by a shift from collective identity to individuality.
Thorndike - argument
Critiques Burckhardt for lack of evidence, calling his view “sensational” and stating that it gives an inaccurate view of historical influence on the world
Chain of Being
Middle Ages hierarchy of humanity and how it compares to other orders in the universe
Chain of Being: God
Omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient. Transcended worldly boundaries.
Chain of Being: Angels
Purely spiritual. Transcended worldly boundaries. Had a hierarchy.
Chain of Being: Humanity
Spiritual but with physical bodies. Passions and sensations. Limited by physical constraints. Can commit physical and intellectual sins.
Chain of Being: Animals
No immortal souls, and other spiritual limitations. Less intelligence/awareness; no logic/language.
Chain of Being: Plants
Grow and reproduce. No mental attributes/senses. Have distinct physical properties.
Chain of Being: Minerals
Physically strong and seen as having magical powers, but lack in other attributes.
Francesco Petrarch: beliefs surrounding Christianity
Morals were integral to Christianity, not just faith and ceremonies.
Petrarch: beliefs surrounding humans
We need to understand the meaning of being human: focus on love, honor, and beauty. Envisioned a new kind of man with new virtues. We are autonomous and can become anything.
Petrarch: influences
Cicero (Roman influence), Augustine (Catholic, studied human relation to the divine)
Middle Ages art: traits and focuses
Religious themes, Great Chain of Being
Renaissance art: traits and focuses
Realism, naturalism, human emotions
