Enlightenment Thinkers During the European Renaissance

Based on the retrospectives and actions of the humanist writers and masterminds of the 15th and 16th centuries, there is evidence that the Renaissance was an era of climax in the Middle Ages. Those who viewed themselves as pioneers of this grand rebirth were greatly influenced by literature of the successful Greek and Roman Empire. These works of literature helped to shape the way these enlightenment thinkers interpreted the meaning of life and mans place on earth. A few of these thinkers include Wassace K. Ferguson, W.T. Waugh, and Johannes Kepler, who was a German astronomer. The independent views of these enlightenment thinkers often led to disarray in the quest to truly exemplify what a Renaissance really means. In some way or another, these enlightenment thinkers were able to recognize the unique advances during this era.

While many people realize enlightenment thinkers as those who appreciate the advances in the Middle Ages, they may forget that other enlightenment thinkers didn’t think much of the changes. For instance, Wassace K. Ferguson believed that the literature and Gothic art of the Middle Ages did not suit the “Renaissance” look. He stated that this rebirth came about when Italian writers that were present in the Middle Ages got fed up with the Gothic art. He stated that this was the cause for the double interpretation of art during the Middle Age Renaissance. It is obvious that Wassace did not favor Gothic art based on his tone. Another enlightenment thinker that also undermined the improvements of the Renaissance era was W.T. Waugh. His personal experience with the Renaissance says that there wasn’t any sort of gain in technology or knowledge in medieval Europe. His thesis did seem logical. He stated that the only true Renaissance that occurred was approximately in the year A.D. 1000. Since then, the growth of human knowledge was never slowed down. Although it may have seemed to at times, some sort of intellectual thoughts and plans were being obtained. I didn’t favor the fact that he undermined the teachings of the Great Aristotle. However, he did recover by saying that the merits of these scholars should be acknowledged.

Although document 7 doesn’t necessarily state relevant facts to say that there were advances in technology during the Renaissance, the information we are given is enough to prove this statement. This document shows a series of Universities that were founded in the 12th through 15th centuries. The development of universities spread all over Europe as well as other areas, reaching places such as Italy, France Great Britain, Spain and Portugal, Germany, Bohemia, and many other countries in Europe. There were approximately 70 universities set up during this period. Obviously there was an increase in knowledge during the Renaissance since there was a sudden boom in the creation of Universities in major cities. These Universities helped spread knowledge and revolutionize the way we learn today. A.J. Froude seems to have a strong opinion about how the Renaissance affected learning during the Middle Ages. This enlightenment speaker first started out by saying that “The world is waking out of a deep long sleep”. This statement shows evidence that Froude knows that the world wasn’t making any major improvements. This quote also leads the reader to believe that the Renaissance was a change for the better. He talked on and on about how breaking away from learning strictly from religious monasteries did have some benefits. His attitude did not seem biased at all. He seemed open minded to criticism and allowed the reader to interpret his words in their own way. The Renaissance also ties into the corruption of the church. Money and sensuality led religious authorities ignore their teachings and take money from innocent people.

According to a variety of opinions expressed through the enlightenment thinkers, it may be concluded that the independent views of these enlightenment thinkers not only led to disarray, but it also led people to realize that monarchy was one of the reasons why they were being held back from this so called “rebirth”. The quest to truly exemplify what a Renaissance really means was present in all of these thinkers even though they were able to express themselves in completely different ways. In some way or another, these enlightenment thinkers were able to recognize the unique advances during this era.