(1400-1600)
Rebirth of Classical values in a Christian context
Humanism:
A philosophy that (a) regards the rational individual as the highest value; (b) considers the individual to be the ultimate source of value; and (c) is dedicated to fostering the individual’s creative and moral development in a meaningful and rational way without reference to concepts of the supernatural.
Individualism: (Political theory) 1. The theory that the principal concern of all political and social groupings is to preserve the rights, guarantee the independence, and enhance the development of the individual person. The state is a means used by individuals in the attainment of these goals and is never an end in itself. Society exists for the sake of its individual members.
2. Government must never interfere with the individual’s pursuit of his or her wishes unless this can be shown to produce harm to other individuals. The best form of government is the least amount of government.
Empiricism: (from Greek, empeiria, experience, concrete acquaintance or familiarity with something)
1. The view that all ideas are abstractions formed by compounding (combining, recombining) what is experienced (observed, immediately given in sensation).
2. Experience is the sole source of knowledge.
Erasmus (1466-1536) Dutch humanist and theologian
Galileo (1564-1642) Italian physicist and astronomer
Francis Bacon (1561-1626) English statesman and scientist
| Last Updated: 10/19/22 |