Values of the
Renaissance
Classicism, Humanism, Individualism, and Secularism
Classicism
● Between 1400-1600, there was an intensified interest in
Greek and Roman culture
● Self-conscious emulation of the literature, art, and
architecture of the classical civilizations
● Re-read and study Cicero, Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle
● Example of classical artists--Michelangelo and Raphael
Petrarch
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“On the Dignity of Man”
Create your own definition of the ism.
Annotate as you read (talk to the
text).
After reading, summarize the
passage.
Select one quote demonstrating
why he wants to live in Livy’s day,
and explain.
Humanism
● Cultural movement in Europe from 1300-1500
● Program of study that emphasizes the study of
grammar, rhetoric, poetry, history and moral
philosophy
● Way of viewing the world that stresses the
importance of human beings & their achievements
● Moves education from the monastery into secular
universities
● Believes that education is the cure for social ills
Pico della Mirandola
“Oration on the Dignity of Man”
● Create your own definition of the -ism.
● Annotate as you read (talk to the
text).
● After reading, summarize the
passage.
● Create your own oration (speech to
convince) in the space below about
why students should learn history
imitating Pico’s style.
Individualism
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Emphasizes the capabilities of the individual--What can I do here on Earth?
Free thinking and creativity
YOU want to be the best--competition (competition for patronage was intense)
Society exists to serve the individual, not the individual to serve society
Theory that favors non-interference of the government into the affairs of the
individual; opposite of collectivism
Civic humanism pushes for involvement in public affairs but not control individuals
Magnifies individual liberty over external authority
Renaissance writers invented the autobiography--proud of their abilities
Leonardo Bruni
“Panegyric to Florence”
● Create your own definition of the -ism.
● Annotate as you read (talk to the text).
● After reading, summarize the passage.
● Create your own panegyric (speech to
praise) in the space below about your
hometown imitating Bruni’s style
Secularism
● Movement from the1500’s-1600’s
● Movement that challenged
medieval philosophy to separate
religion from politics
● Focus on the earthly, not the
heavenly life
● Italian Renaissance thinkers
remained good Christians but
there is a focus shift
Baldassare Castiglione
● Create your own definition of the -ism.
● Annotate as you read (talk to the text).
● After reading, summarize the passage.
● Create a “how to guide” for freshmen to
survive at SkyView Academy Castiglione’
s style
Exit Ticket:
In a paragraph, explain how you think
humanistic ways of thinking affected the
progression of the Renaissance.