The Study of the Humanities

The study of the humanities, or “studia humanitatis” in the classical Latin format, helped to bring about the intellectual movement during the late 14^th century.  Unlike other movements during the Renaissance and Reformation periods, humanism did not conform to systematic logic and thought process.  Instead this movement, through newly reformatted education and scholarship endeavors, promoted growth of the mind and intellect through various liberal pursuits.  As noted by Wilcox “humanist eventually found themselves involved in politics, literature, law and even philosophy and theology.” (Wilcox, Ch. 5, pg. 75) While looking into the historical impact and how it might be interpreted Wilcox presents us with three notable interpretations by distinguished men and students of the Renaissance humanism: Paul Oskar Kristeller, Eugenio Garin, and Hans Baron.

Paul Kristeller, (Born May 22, 1905 – Died June 7, 1999) a renowned historian and student of the Renaissance, was also a philosopher who sought to show how humanism and philosophy developed as two separate intellectual movements.  Through his studies and research, Kristeller published several noteworthy works:

The Philosophy of M. Ficino. New York, 1943.
The Classics and Renaissance Thought. Cambridge (Mass.), 1955.
Studies in Renaissance Thought and Letters. Rome, 1956.
Renaissance Thought, vols. 1–2. New York, 1961–65. (The Great Soviet Encyclopedia)

As Kristeller developed his platforms, he focused on the teachings and approaches to the two different movements, using technical approaches to analyze and interpret both.  He was able to define humanism and philosophy as individuals and yet not nearly so separate; unfortunately, his approach disallowed for the concept of emotional and personal equation towards humanism, leaving many seeking further definitions.

Eugenio Garin, (Born May 9^th, 1909 – Died Dec. 29^th, 2004) approached the concept of humanism through a different path, though also being a scholar, philosopher and student of the Renaissance.  Where Kristeller’s approach was more technically pragmatic, Garin had a more grounded, humane approach based upon two assumptions: “First, the ancients should be studied as men living in a certain historical time; second human knowledge proceeds less by abstract speculation than by communication of personal perspectives and points of view. “ (Wilcox, pg. 77)

Our last of the three scholars, Hans Baron (Born June 22, 1900 – Died Nov. 26, 1988) believed a crucial turn of events took place in Florence around 1400 that lead to a dramatic shift in intellectual and scholarly pursuits during this period.  It is due to this shift in education and scholarship the humanist movement came to be, and can be seen not only in the historical value of intellectually stimulating documents but also the arts.  By approach the movement from such a varied path than the other two, Baron was able to “identify so clearly the developing patterns of thought and values in this small period… This generation of humanists pursued classical studies with a new vigor and intensity; they were aware of the unique position of Florence in fostering the revival and were firmly convinced of the superiority of the active life.” (Wilcox, pg. 79.)

In having studied and taken the time to consider each of these men’s approaches, along with the question of which one I favor, I came to the conclusion that I favor none and all.  My reasoning for this is the concept that each historian / philosopher is noteworthy within his own, but at the same time they each lack something vital in order to be given an entire grounding in humanism.  Can one truly understand humanism simply by using nothing but practical, technical approaches?  Is it appropriate to look to the one who sees patterns and follows the intricate web of thoughts of the men of this time; or does one approach it more from an emotional, naturalistic point of view.  In the end I think it is more practical and fulfilling to try an equally balanced approached, taking something from all. 

References:

"Paul Oskar Kristeller." The Great Soviet Encyclopedia, 3rd Edition. 1970-1979. The Gale Group, Inc. 20 Feb. 2016 http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Paul+Oskar+Kristeller

Wilcox, Donald J. In Search of God & Self: Renaissance and Reformation Thought. Second ed. Long Grove: Waveland, 1987. Print.