The Renaissance Period: History and Key Aspects
Renaissance Period (1485-1600)
It literally means rebirth and it specifically refers to the rebirth of learning that began in Italy in the 14th century, spread to the North by the 16th century, and ended in the North in the mid-17th century. In Italy, it ended earlier.
During this time, there was a revival of classical models, and this period can be seen as the transition from the Middle Ages to modern times. It’s called the Age of Shakespeare or the Elizabethan era in England.
Periods of the Renaissance
The Renaissance is typically divided into two main periods:
The Italian Renaissance
It began in Italy. It was marked by a revival of interest in classical literature. It was a great intellectual revolt against the medieval spirit and especially against scholasticism in favor of intellectual freedom, and showed a great interest in the pagan world. Scholasticism means ‘that which belongs to the school’. It was not a philosophy, but a method of learning taught by the academics of the medieval universities. Its aim was to synthesize classical philosophy and Christian theology. Scholasticism has two important characteristics: a) Deductive thinking b) Dialectics (dialectical reasoning).
Three important figures associated with the early Renaissance in Italy are:
- Dante
- Petrarch
- Boccaccio
The Northern Renaissance
This period is marked by a continued interest in classical studies and by a new view of intellectual life known as Humanism. By this time, the movement had spread to Germany, Poland, France, the Netherlands, and other northern countries. In this stage, classical studies were pursued, and its influence was felt in every area of life.
Impact of the Renaissance
In philosophy, it gradually replaced the formal methods of thought that scholasticism had fostered.
In science, Copernicus demonstrated that the Sun rather than the Earth was the center of the planetary system, thus altering the cosmic world view that had dominated Antiquity and the Middle Ages.
In religion, Martin Luther (1483-1546) challenged and caused a division within one of the major institutions that had united Europe throughout the Middle Ages.
In architecture, it brought about the revival of the classical style.
In the fine arts, it inspired new schools of painting in Italy. Notable figures include Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Raphael, etc.
Finally, it also inspired a passion for exploration that led to the discovery of the New World.
Key Characteristics
- The Great Chain of Being
- Political Implications of the Great Chain of Being
- Humanism
- Imitation
The Great Chain of Being
One of the most important continuities with the classical period was the concept of the Great Chain of Being. Its basic premise was that every existing thing in the universe had its place in a divinely planned hierarchical order. At the bottom were inanimate objects and the Four Elements. Higher up were the members of the vegetative class. Then came animals, then humans, then angels, and at the very top, God.
There was also a universal correspondence, meaning that different segments of the chain reflected other segments. For example, the human being was seen as a microcosm that reflected the structure of the world as a whole, with the world being the macrocosm. Just as the world is composed of 4 elements, humans are composed of 4 humors. According to this concept, all existing things have their precise place and function in the universe, and to move from one’s proper place was to betray one’s nature.
Ambivalence Towards the Chain
Renaissance writers sometimes showed ambivalence towards such a rigidly organized universe. The best example is the character depicted by Christopher Marlowe in his play Doctor Faustus, because he showed both the great spirit of human aspiration and the more questionable hunger for superhuman powers.
Political Implications
The fear of disorder was not only philosophical; it had political ramifications. The consequence was that civil rebellion was seen as breaking the chain, and according to the doctrine of correspondences, this would have consequences in other realms.
This disorder was considered a sin against God because rulers believed they ruled by divine right.
The need for strong political rule was very significant because the Renaissance had largely brought an end to Feudalism, the medieval form of political organization. It is no wonder that much Renaissance literature is concerned with the ideals of kingship and the character and behavior of rulers.
This era also saw the birth of great nations.