What is the most accurate definition of humanism ?
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Answer: B. The intellectual movement interested in classical antiquity
Explanation
Renaissance humanism was primarily an intellectual movement centered on the study and revival of classical antiquity. Humanist scholars dedicated themselves to rediscovering, translating, and imitating ancient Greek and Roman texts. This educational philosophy emphasized rhetoric, ethics, and history based on classical pagan and Christian models. The movement began in fourteenth-century Italy with scholars like Petrarch promoting the study of liberal arts. Humanism sought to cultivate human potential through rigorous engagement with classical literature and philosophy. It contrasted sharply with medieval scholasticism by prioritizing human agency and classical linguistic elegance.
Option A describes vernacular literary trends, whereas humanism primarily relied on reviving Latin and Greek classics. Option C contradicts historical fact, as the movement moved toward classical antiquity rather than away from it. Option D narrows the movement down to courtly love conventions, ignoring the broad intellectual scope of humanism.
- Subject
- English
- Category
- English Literature
- Topic
- —
- Difficulty
- medium
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