Renaissance: Transformative period between Middle ages and Modernity. Origin in 14th Century Florence, Italy.
Characteristics of Renaissance
- Humanism
- individualism
- study of philosophy, history, literature
- human centric worldview rather than religion centric
- study of classical text, art, architecture
- new appreciation for balance, symmetry, harmony
- cultural exchanges, desire to explore new territories, concepts
- rediscovery of antiquity eg. unearching ancient texts during fall of Constantinople
- scientific achievements
- eg. Heliocentric model (Copernicus)
- Kepler laws of planetary motion
- Economic growth post decline of feudalism
- Tech:
- printing press, compass, gunpowder
Personalities
- Leonardo da Vinci: art, science, engineering
- Mona Lisa
- Last Supper
- Michelangelo: sculptor, painter, architect
- Statue of David
- Sistine Chapel ceiling
- Nicolaus Copernicus: helicentric model of universe
Impact of Renaissance
- scientific inquiry, rational approach, empiricity
- artistic evolution
- realistic depiction of human body, use of light & shadow
- religious and political thought
- Age of Discovery - Christopher Columbus, Vasco da Gama
- Humanism
- Cultural bridge
Enlightenment (Age of Reason)
- intellectual & philosophical movement
- europe 17-18th century
characteristic
- reason, rationality, scientific inquiry
- logic, empirical evidence
- challenged estd. authorities, superstition, religious dogmas
Political & social impact
- formulate ideas of natural rights, social contract
- legitimate govt derives from people’s consent & is tasked with safeguarding individual rights
- advocated for balanced governance, constitutionalism, rule of law, checks & balances, avoiding power monopolies
Thinkers
- Rene descartes: “I think, therefore I am.”
- Voltaire: freedom of speech, religious tolerance
- John Locke: natural rights, social contract
- Adam Smith: free markets
- Jean Rousseau: Social contract theory
Events
- inspired Scientific Revolution, Glorious Revolution, American Revolution, French Revolution
- influenced nationalism, artistic styles
- printing press facilitated spread of enlightenment ideals, national languages, literary traditions