"The meaning of the term 'humanism' has changed according to successive intellectual movements that have identified with it. [...] It views humanity as responsible for the promotion and development of individuals, espouses the equal and inherent dignity of all human beings, and emphasizes a concern for humans in relation to the world."
An intellectual movement that emphasizes human reason, beauty, and individuality.
Humanism: A philosophical and cultural movement that emerged in Europe during the Renaissance, emphasizing the dignity and worth of human beings, their capacities for rational thought and creativity, and their potential to achieve moral and intellectual excellence.
Renaissance literature: The literature produced in Europe during the Renaissance period (roughly 14th to 17th centuries), characterized by a revival of classical forms and themes, a focus on the individual and the human condition, and an interest in philosophical, scientific, and artistic innovation.
Classical literature: The literature of ancient Greece and Rome, which served as a primary source of inspiration for Renaissance writers and thinkers, and which was studied and emulated as a model of literary excellence and cultural refinement.
Humanistic education: The educational philosophy and practice of the Renaissance, which emphasized the study of the liberal arts (grammar, rhetoric, logic, mathematics, music, and philosophy) as a means of developing the intellectual and moral capacities of the individual.
Petrarch: An Italian poet and scholar who is often regarded as the father of Renaissance humanism, and whose works and ideas had a profound influence on the development of Renaissance literature and culture.
Erasmus: A Dutch philosopher, theologian, and writer who was one of the leading figures of Renaissance humanism, and whose works promoted the values of reason, tolerance, and free inquiry.
Montaigne: A French writer and philosopher who was one of the most important early proponents of the essay as a literary form, and whose ideas about the human condition, skepticism, and individualism had a major influence on Renaissance thought and culture.
Machiavelli: An Italian writer and political philosopher whose works, including The Prince and The Discourses, helped to shape modern political theory and significantly affected the development of Renaissance literature and culture.
Courtly love: A medieval tradition of courtly romance and chivalry that was revived and transformed during the Renaissance, and which had a profound impact on the development of Renaissance literature and culture.
Neoplatonism: A philosophical and religious movement that drew on the teachings of Plato and other ancient philosophers, and which had a significant influence on Renaissance literature and culture, particularly in the areas of poetry, love, and metaphysics.
Secular humanism: This type of humanism emphasizes reason, ethics, and justice as the foundation for human values, instead of religion.
Christian humanism: Christian humanism retains a belief in God and Christian teachings but emphasizes the capacity for human improvement.
Civic humanism: This type of humanism emphasizes the importance of public service and fulfilling one's civic duties for the betterment of society.
Literary humanism: This type of humanism emphasizes the study of classical literature as a means of understanding human nature and behavior.
Educational humanism: This type of humanism stresses the importance of education and the cultivation of the mind as a means of individual and societal improvement.
Scientific humanism: This type of humanism emphasizes the scientific method and the use of reason in understanding the natural world.
Renaissance humanism: Inspired by the revival of classical learning, this type of humanism emphasizes the importance of learning and the pursuit of knowledge as a means of individual and societal improvement.
Social humanism: This type of humanism emphasizes the importance of social justice and humanitarianism in improving society.
"During the Italian Renaissance, ancient works inspired Italian scholars, giving rise to the Renaissance humanism movement."
"During the Age of Enlightenment, humanistic values were re-enforced by advances in science and technology, giving confidence to humans in their exploration of the world."
"In the early 20th century, organizations dedicated to humanism flourished in Europe and the United States."
"In the early 21st century, the term generally denotes a focus on human well-being and advocates for human freedom, autonomy, and progress."
"People with a humanist worldview maintain religion is not a precondition of morality."
"Humanists tend to advocate for human rights, free speech, progressive policies, and democracy."
"Most frequently, humanism refers to a non-theistic view centered on human agency, and a reliance on science and reason rather than revelation from a supernatural source to understand the world."
"Contemporary humanist organizations work under the umbrella of Humanists International."
"Well-known humanist associations are Humanists UK and the American Humanist Association."
"[Humanism] emphasizes the individual and social potential, and agency of human beings, whom it considers the starting point for serious moral and philosophical inquiry."
"Starting in the 20th century, humanist movements are typically non-religious and aligned with secularism."
"[Humanism] espouses the equal and inherent dignity of all human beings."
"People with a humanist worldview [...] object to excessive religious entanglement with education and the state."
"During the Age of Enlightenment, humanistic values were re-enforced by advances in science and technology, giving confidence to humans in their exploration of the world."
"The meaning of the term 'humanism' has changed according to successive intellectual movements that have identified with it."
"[Humanism] views humanity as responsible for the promotion and development of individuals."
"[Humanism] emphasizes a concern for humans in relation to the world."
"A focus on human well-being and advocates for human freedom, autonomy, and progress."
"The term [humanism] generally denotes a focus on human well-being and advocates for human freedom, autonomy, and progress."