R-3 due Monday
Do Now : Of the factors that we talked about yesterday, which one do you think was most important in making the Renaissance a success in Italy? ◦ The fact that the Italian city-states were urban trading centers ◦ The classical heritage of the Italian city-states ◦ Early recovery from the Plague ◦ Rivalries between merchant families ◦ The influence of the Medici family
Do Now : Define humanism. How does the work of Petrarch show the values of humanism.
A. Renewed interest in works, ideas and values of the Greeks and Romans (classicism). B. Leads to the emergence of Humanism: A philosophy that celebrates human potential and achievements. How was this different from the way human beings were viewed during the Middle Ages?
C. Francisco Petrarch ( ): “Father of Humanism.” ◦ Great poet and writer who recognized that humanity is living at the dawn of a new age of intellectualism and culture after a thousand years of Medieval darkness. ◦ Loves classical learning, criticizes anyone who does not. ◦ Writes of his romantic love for Laura in the vernacular.
D. Pico della Mirandola ( ) – “On the Dignity of Man” ◦ Believes that humanism and Christianity can go together.
E. Change in Attitude about Life a. Middle Ages: What did people focus on during this period? b. Renaissance Secular lifestyle: Enjoying life on Earth and the here and now, not focusing as much on religion and the afterlife. Examples: food, music, theater, painting, beautiful clothing, etc. Nobles are encouraged to be “Renaissance Men” Baldassare Castiglione’s The Courtier (1528) → guide for nobles on how to become a Renaissance man
◦ Of the following individuals, which one do you think BEST fits the definition of a “Renaissance man (or woman)” and why: Steve Jobs Oprah Winfrey Walt Disney Bill Gates Barack Obama Choose your own example ◦ Is it possible to be a Renaissance man/woman in the 21 st century? Do you think it is a worthwhile goal for people to strive for? Why or why not?