Civic Humanism

1. The Baron Thesis

• Definition: Civic humanism is a fusion of Petrarchan humanism and the Guelf tradition of patriotic resistance.
• Crisis Response: Emerged as a response to the expansionism of Milanese despots.
• Cultural Shift: Marked a shift from medieval ideals to secular, republican values, emphasizing liberty and classical learning.
• Florentine Influence: Key figures were Coluccio Salutati and Leonardo Bruni, who reintegrated classical learning into society.
• Modernity: Seen as a turning point towards modern democratic thought.
• Communitarianism: Integrates public solidarity and constitutional frameworks.

2. Civic Humanism and Republicanism

• Republicanism: Considered a variant of republicanism where government is the citizens’ common business.
• Classical Influence: Draws from Aristotle, Cicero, and Polybius, emphasizing virtue and citizen involvement.
• John Pocock's Extension: Civic humanism seen as a republican response to crisis, connecting to Aristotelian virtue.
• Quentin Skinner's Perspective: Advocates active citizenship for liberty, with a shift from philosophical to historical republicanism.
• Economics and Virtue: Debate on civic virtue vs. private gain; economic reality of Renaissance cities like Florence.

3. Varieties of Civic Humanism

• Critical Perspective: James Hankins challenges the connection between humanism and republican liberty.
• Virtue Politics: Humanism focused on the moral character of rulers for an ideal commonwealth.

3.1. Leonardo Bruni

• Promotion of Republicanism: Bruni defended republican government, emphasizing liberty, equality, and just law.
• Florentine Example: Florence seen as a harmonious republic, balancing classes and preventing tyranny.

3.2. Coluccio Salutati and Aurelio Lippo Brandolini

• Salutati's Treatise: Differentiation between tyrants; usurpers vs. legitimate rulers.
• Brandolini's Monarchy Defense: Argues for monarchy’s stability, contrasting with Florentine republican ideals.

3.3. Aeneas Silvius Piccolomini

• Imperial Government: Advocates for universal monarchy to solve conflicts inherent in kingships.

3.4 Niccolò Machiavelli

• Diverse Views: Explores both republican and monarchical governance in his writings.
• Class Conflict: Views class struggle as a source of liberty in a republic, advocating for pragmatic power balances.

4. The Pre-history of Civic Humanism

• Challenge to Baron: Earlier republicans like Brunetto Latini argued for republics before the Renaissance.
• Continuity: Civic humanism stems from a continuous tradition, not just a Renaissance innovation.

Key Takeaways

• Civic humanism is a complex blend of classical ideals, republicanism, and responses to contemporary crises.
• It represents a transition towards modern secular and democratic thought, deeply rooted in classical education and public virtue.
• The movement allowed for various interpretations, from republicanism to monarchy, showing its adaptability to different political contexts.