Utopia Humanism

HUMANISM IN THE UTOPIA AND UTOPIAN HUMANISM

CONTENTS

CHAPTER I - INTRODUCTION.ENGLISH RENAISSANCE HUMANISM

1.1 – Utopian Humanist Philosophy and World View ….pg. 3

1.2 – "I learn, therefore I am": Thomas Morus and His Humanist Credo ….pg. 4

CHAPTER II – THOMAS MORUS: A "CASE STUDY"

2.1 – Utopia versus 16th Century Reality ….pg. 6

2.1.1 - Cities ….pg. 9

2.1.2 - Education ...pg. 10

2.1.3 -Religion ...pg. 10

CHAPTER III – CONCLUSIONS ...pg. 12

- BIBLIOGRAPHY AND REFERENCES ...pg. 13

Humanism in "The Utopia" and Utopian Humanism

CHAPTER I – INTRODUCTION.ENGLISH RENAISSANCE HUMANISM

1.1 Utopian Humanist Philosophy and World View

Renaissance, the ‘rebirth' of literature, art, and learning that progressively transformed European culture from the mid 14th century in Italy to the mid 17th century in England, strongly influenced by the rediscovery of classical Greek and Latin literature, and accelerated by the development of printing.

The term of "Renaissance" normally refers to the combined intellectual and artistic transformations of the 15th and 16th centuries, including the emergence of humanism, Protestant individualism, Copernican astronomy, and the discovery of America.

The English Renaissance is distinct from the Italian Renaissance in several ways. First, the dominant art form of the English Renaissance was literature, while the Italian Renaissance was driven much more by the visual arts, such as painting and sculpture. The English seem to have been less directly influenced by classical antiquity, which was a hallmark of the Italian Renaissance; instead, the English were primarily influenced by the Italians themselves, and rediscovered the classical authors through them.

Around 1806, humanism was used to describe the classical curriculum offered by German schools, and by 1836 "humanism" was borrowed into English.

The historical and literary use of the word "humanist" derives from the 15th century Italian term "umanista", meaning a teacher or scholar of Classical Greek and Latin literature and the ethical philosophy behind it.

Humanism is a perspective common to a wide range of ethical stances that attaches importance to human dignity, concerns, and capabilities, particularly rationality.

An important aspect to mention, which is also linked to Humanism would be their aspiration towards perfection, towards utopian societies. The term "utopia" has been used to describe both intentional communities that attempted to create an ideal society, and fictional societies portrayed in literature. "Utopia" is sometimes used pejoratively, in reference to an unrealistic ideal that is impossible to achieve. It has spawned other concepts, most prominently dystopia.

Humanism in "The Utopia" and Utopian Humanism

Humanists, including Thomas Morus, have tried to revive the utopian principles of Plato's "Republic". If one tries to apply these principles to real life, one will fail, because perfection is intangible, if one insists in imposing these ideas, one might acquire a dystopia, rather than a utopia.

1.2 "I learn, therefore I am": Thomas Morus and His Humanist Credo

Thomas Morus received an early education, which probably generated his humanist ideals. After his earlier education, he was placed in the household of Cardinal John Morton, Archbishop of Canterbury and Lord Chancellor. The Cardinal used his wealth and influence in order to help his young client to make his entrance further in the world righteously. Cardinal Morton delighted in the quick wit of young Thomas More, affirming that: "Whoever shall live to try it, shall see this child here waiting at table prove a notable and rare man."

The humanist-to-be was sent