History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps HoP 332 - Jill Kraye on Humanism
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Sep 22, 2019 Jill Kraye, Emeritus Professor of the History of Renaissance Philosophy at the Warburg Institute, dives into the rich tapestry of humanism. She clarifies its origins tied to Cicero’s 'studia humanitatis' and its significance in shaping educational reforms during the Renaissance. Kraye discusses key figures like Poliziano and their expansion of humanism beyond moral philosophy. The conversation also tackles the paradox of printing—balancing accessibility with textual integrity—and the complex relationship between humanism and Christianity, revealing how ancient thought influenced modern scholarship.
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Modern Meaning of Humanism
- The term 'humanism' was coined in the 19th century to describe the study of classical antiquity devoted to studia humanitatis.
- Humanists focused on recovering and reviving classical texts, emphasizing grammar, rhetoric, poetry, history, and often moral philosophy.
Humanists Taught Broad Philosophy
- Humanists expanded their teaching from moral philosophy to include all kinds of ancient philosophy, including logic.
- They viewed themselves as interpreters of antiquity, not as philosophers competing with scholastics.
Humanism vs Scholasticism Nuances
- Humanists criticized scholastics for poor Latin style and dull lecturing but both engaged seriously with Aristotle.
- Figures like Pico della Mirandola bridged humanist elegance with scholastic content, showing overlap rather than pure opposition.
