Thomas Aquinas and Humanism

Thomas Aquinas and Humanism

7.42 Explain humanism, and describe how Thomas Aquinas’s writings influenced humanistic thought and fostered a balance between reason and faith. 

Humanism

-People are good

-People can make the world better

-Focus on the world, not religion

-Focus on people, not gods

Multiple Select

Why would the growing influence of humanism have inspired High Renaissance artists to paint realistic subjects and backgrounds? (Choose 2)

• Humanism focused on people, their goodness, and their abilities to improve the world.

• Humanism was grounded in this world which caused a focus on images of this world.

• Humanism believed in reason which meant people should be painted the way they are.

• Humanists appreciated Greek and Roman art, so artists wanted to duplicate that style of art.

Issues

-Humanism challenges ideas of the church and its power

-Faith vs Reason

-Attempts to reform the church

Thomas Aquinas

-Christian Humanist

-Summa Theologica

-Sought to balance faith and reason

-Wanted to change the church and people's view of the church

-The teachings of Aquinas helped bridge the gap between the humanism and medieval beliefs.

Multiple Choice

What is the title of the book written by Thomas Aquinas?

• Utopia

• Praise of Folly

• Summa Theologica

Open Ended

What do you think the quote in the picture means?

Multiple Choice

Why would Thomas Aquinas and a humanist during the Renaissance have disagreed with one another?

• Aquinas believed a person needs both reason and faith for knowledge, whereas humanists said you need only reason

• Humanists believed a person needed only reason to get into heaven, whereas Aquinas believed you needed both reason and faith.

Multiple Choice

What do these historical figures have in common?

Thomas Aquinas

Leonardo da Vinci

Michelangelo

William Shakespeare

• They were painters.

• They were Catholic priests

• They were leading innovators during the Renaissance

• They worked in Italy