DBQ Humanism and the Renaissance Lizzie Mott Class 6 Humanism helped contribute to the transformation of Europe during

the Renaissance period through the changed of ideas and values of individualism concerning scientific observation to better explain the world, the questioning of religious and political institutions, and the explosion of knowledge through literature. Scientific observation during the Renaissance helped humanists better understand both the world and human nature. In (document 1) the heliocentric theory was explained by Nicholas Copernicus (1514.) It explained the earth through wisdom of nature through something new, observation. The Renaissance brought new expectations to art. The Birth of Venus by Botticelli (1485) shows the flowing, nude body (document 2.) The Arnolfini Marriage by Ecyk displays the use of mirrors, and pregnancy within the art. Both pieces of art show depth, realism, perspective, and precise realistic figures. Humanists viewed the body in a more scientific manner. De Fabrica by Vesalius (doc. 4) states this age of anatomy was unique Because of the use of dead bodies, this study was anatomy was a highly dangerous endeavor, as science often clashed with religion. Leonardo da Vincis notebooks (1485-1487) (doc. 8) clashed with religion as well. Still, science flourished during the Renaissance and was becoming more accepted. Humanism helped science flourish and better explain the world. The questioning of religion made an impact on the Renaissance as well. Martin Luther (doc. 7) was a major humanist reformer. From his introductory letter from Wittenberg, he explained the wrongs of papal indulgences. While remaining devoutly religious, humanists still questioned individuals and religious institutions. The image of The Gutenberg Bible (1492) in (doc. 9) was a strong example of this. While remaining devoutly religious, humanists were changing the meaning of science and religion as well. Literature also flourished during the Renaissance. The invention of the movable type helped the spread of knowledge and ideas. The Self Portrait of a Universal Man (1513) (doc. 6) by Machiavelli was an example of humanist writing as well. Examples of literature like these spread ideas and knowledge throughout the Renaissance. Sir Thomas More helped contribute to the Renaissance as well through his humanist writing. For example, his book Utopia, a book about perfect society. Humanism helped contribute to the Renaissance through ideas about science, religion, and literature. The values and ideas humanists held contributed to this periods explosion of knowledge.