The Renaissance, Humanism, and the Age of Enlightenment

Introduction

• Presented by Captivating History
• Renaissance: a prolific period of artistic achievement

Understanding Historical Significance

• Influence of artistic/social movements depends on philosophy behind them
• Questions to consider:
  • What prompted the change?
  • What brought about new ideas?
  • How do new ideas compare to old ones?
• Historical context turns bursts of creativity into cultural movements

Renaissance Philosophy: Humanism

• Contrasted with medieval arts that romanticized religious elements
• Valued reason and the human spirit over extravagant ideals
• Inspired by classical antiquity
• Emphasized practicality and restraint
• Led to European cultural achievements

The Age of Enlightenment

• Period of intellectual & philosophical rejuvenation (late-17th to late-18th century)
• Radical change in European politics, science, arts, and society
• Seen as a continuation of the Scientific Revolution

Scientific Revolution

• Followed the Renaissance
• Highlighted empirical beliefs, calculations, and structure
• Key scientists: Newton, Galileo, Boyle

Key Thinkers

Michel de Montaigne

• French essayist and philosopher
• Valued reason as the highest merit

Francis Bacon

• English statesman and philosopher
• Father of empiricism and the modern scientific method

Rene Descartes

• Cartesian Skepticism: all beliefs are subject to doubt
• Famous quote: “Cogito Ergo Sum” (I think therefore I am)

Printing Press & Republic of Letters

• Arrival of the printing press in 15th century Europe
• Books became more accessible
• “Republic of Letters” facilitated cross-border intellectual discourse
• Increased trade and exploration diversified Western life

Social and Political Thought

John Locke (Father of Liberalism)

• Introduced “tabula rasa” (blank state)
• Early modern empiricist

David Hume

• Rejected innate ideas; focused on experience
• Notable work: “A Treatise of Human Nature”

Montesquieu

• Separation of powers (legislative, executive, judicial)
• Significant works: “The Spirit of the Laws,” “The Persian Letters”

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

• Criticized cultural progress

Voltaire

• Criticized the Catholic Church and advocated for freedom of speech/religion

Denis Diderot

• Supported robust separation between Church and state
• Co-founder of the “Encyclopédie”

Role of Women During Enlightenment

• Wealthy women engaged in salons for philosophical discourse
• Notable women:
  • Marie de Gournay: contributions in humanities and gender studies
  • Anna Maria van Schurman: first woman at a Dutch university, fluent in 14 languages
  • Elisabeth of Bohemia: well-versed in philosophy and sciences; corresponded with Descartes

Advancement of Social Justice

• Enlightenment spurred movements against slavery
• Philosophers and economists sought alternative economic models

Adam Smith

• Father of modern economics and capitalism
• Seminal work: “An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations”
• Advocated for free markets, division of labor, specialization, and trade

Conclusion

• Enlightenment symbolized rationality over tradition, science over superstition
• Paved the way for capitalism, the industrial revolution, and modernism

Further Reading

• Recommended book: "The Age of Enlightenment: A Captivating Guide”
• Available in multiple formats
• Additional free mythology bundle e-book available

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