Renaissance and Its Key Figures
Define the term “Renaissance,” and explain why that period in Western history is referred to as such. Identify some of the major figures (at least three) associated with the Renaissance, and discuss their contributions to history.
When answering the question, please be sure to document your sources (even if you just use the textbook), using the format (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc.) you’re most familiar with. Because the Discussion Board is somewhat informal, you’re free to use the style you’re most accustomed to using when documenting sources. Additionally, please work to answer the question using YOUR OWN WORDS as much as possible. Occasionally using direct quotations from the textbook is okay/acceptable, but most of your answer should be written in your own words (use of AI is NOT permitted). It’s really not your own work if you just copy your answer from the textbook (or other sources), even if you use quotation marks and citations, and will thus be scored accordingly.
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What is the definition of the term “Renaissance”?,
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Why is this historical period referred to as a “rebirth”?,
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Who are three major figures of the Renaissance?,
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What contributions did these individuals make to history?,
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Why is understanding the Renaissance important to Western history?
Renaissance and Its Key Figures
The term “Renaissance” comes from the French word meaning rebirth. It refers to the cultural, intellectual, and artistic revival that began in Italy during the 14th century and spread across Europe over the next two centuries. This period is called a “rebirth” because it marked a renewed interest in the classical learning and achievements of ancient Greece and Rome after the relative stagnation of the Middle Ages. It was a time when scholars, artists, and thinkers began to value human experience, individual achievement, and the study of the humanities — subjects like literature, philosophy, and history — which came to be known as studia humanitatis (Brotton, 2006).
The Renaissance was not just about art; it also included advances in science, politics, literature, and education. It fostered a new spirit of inquiry, secularism, and humanism — the belief that humans have value and potential and can shape their world through reason and creativity (Hunt et al., 2013).
Major Figures of the Renaissance and Their Contributions
1. Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519)
Leonardo is often considered the ultimate “Renaissance man” because of his vast talents in art, science, engineering, and anatomy. He is best known for paintings such as The Last Supper and Mona Lisa, which display masterful use of perspective and human emotion. But Leonardo also sketched designs for inventions like flying machines and tanks, showing his keen interest in how the world worked. His notebooks combine scientific observation and artistic imagination, capturing the Renaissance ideal of combining art and science (Kemp, 2006).
Renaissance and Its Key Figures