Key Takeaways
Christian humanism, rooted in the work of Christ, emphasizes the restoration of human nature and the value of understanding humanity as a reflection of God.
Secular humanism, introduced by Giovanni Pico della Mirandola, proposes a flexible human nature that can be self-determined, diverging from Christian humanism.
The shift from Christian to secular humanism significantly influenced political philosophy, as seen in Machiavelli's works, and later impacted American culture.
Topics
Origins and Development of Christian Humanism
Emerged in the Renaissance (late 14th century) as a distinctly Christian philosophy
Key figures: Dante, Petrarch, Erasmus, Calvin
Central ideas:
Christ's incarnation restores humanity to its intended nature
Understanding humans is a means to understand God
Emphasizes going back to original sources for deeper comprehension
Influenced Reformation Protestantism and Catholic restoration projects
Calvin's "Institutes" exemplifies this approach: knowledge of God and man as central to all knowledge
Giovanni Pico della Mirandola and the Shift to Secular Humanism
Pico's oration (late 1300s) introduced a nihilistic metaphysic about mankind
Argued for a changeable human nature, dependent on actions and choices
Attempted to synthesize various religious philosophies, claiming they all teach human greatness
This flexible nature concept became the foundation of secular humanism
Contrasts with Christian view of human nature as fixed but fallen, requiring divine restoration
Impact on Political Philosophy
Machiavelli, influenced by Pico's ideas, applied flexible nature concept to politics
Argued that nations and kingdoms could be shaped by human will and power
Rejected the traditional view of God-given spheres of authority
Led to concepts like social contract theory
Contrasted with Christian view of authority as God-established and requiring faithful stewardship
Share this post