Humanism or Renaissance humanism is the cultural movement in Europe during the Middle Ages and the renaissance, that revived the language (in particular the Greek language), science and poetry of classical antiquity (mainly Ancient Greece).

To a certain extent, this could include an orientation toward antique value systems and deviation from the prevailing Christian doctrine. From this comes the second meaning of the word.

A person primarily studying languages related to classical antiquity, such as Greek or Latin, and the art, literature and poetry of this epoch may sometimes be called a humanist and the main area of concern for these people is then referred to as humanities.

Table of contents

1 Humanism -- the Humanist Doctrine 2 List of Humanists 3 External links

Humanism -- the Humanist Doctrine

Humanism is a doctrine, attitude, or way of life centered on human interests or values, stressing an individual's dignity and worth and capacity for self-realization through reason and other human skills. It usually rejects supernaturalism, but some religious people consider themselves humanists.

See also: Rationalist, Universism, Secular humanism, Religious (spiritual) humanism, New Humanism, Transhumanism

List of Humanists

• Erasmus
• Julius Caesar Scaliger
• Michel de Montaigne

External links

• http://www.jcn.com/humanism.html
• International Humanist and Ethical Union