Renaissance Philosophy: Art, Science, and Religion
( 25 Modules )
Module #1 Introduction to Renaissance Philosophy Overview of the Renaissance period, its cultural and intellectual context, and the significance of philosophy during this time
Module #2 The Revival of Classical Learning The rediscovery of ancient Greek and Roman texts and their impact on Renaissance thought
Module #3 Humanism and the Emergence of Individualism The development of humanist thought, emphasizing individual dignity and potential, and its key figures such as Petrarch and Boccaccio
Module #4 The Medici Family and the Patronage of Art and Science The role of the Medici family in fostering artistic and scientific innovation in Florence during the Renaissance
Module #5 Art and Aesthetics in the Renaissance The development of Renaissance art, including the works of Michelangelo, Leonardo, and Raphael, and the philosophical underpinnings of beauty and taste
Module #6 The Sciences of the Renaissance The advancements in scientific fields such as anatomy, mathematics, and astronomy, including the contributions of Galen, Copernicus, and Kepler
Module #7 The Philosophy of Niccolò Machiavelli Machiavellis ideas on politics, ethics, and human nature, as presented in The Prince and The Discourses
Module #8 The Renaissance Vision of Utopia The concept of the ideal society, as imagined by Renaissance thinkers such as Thomas More and Tommaso Campanella
Module #9 The Reformation and the Rise of Protestantism The theological and philosophical underpinnings of the Protestant Reformation, including the ideas of Luther and Calvin
Module #10 The Catholic Response to the Reformation The Counter-Reformation and the Catholic Churchs response to Protestantism, including the Council of Trent and the Jesuit order
Module #11 The Philosophy of Erasmus and the Humanist Critique of Christianity Erasmuss ideas on Christianity, toleration, and the role of reason in faith
Module #12 The Emergence of Skepticism and the Crisis of Authority The growth of skepticism and the challenges to traditional authority in the Renaissance, including the ideas of Michel de Montaigne
Module #13 The Philosophy of Giordano Bruno and the Hermetic Tradition Brunos ideas on the universe, magic, and the nature of reality, and the influence of Hermeticism on Renaissance thought
Module #14 The Role of Women in Renaissance Philosophy The contributions and experiences of women philosophers, including Christine de Pizan and Laura Cereta, during the Renaissance
Module #15 The Philosophy of Francisco Suárez and the Scholastic Tradition Suárezs scholasticism and the continued influence of Aristotelian thought on Renaissance philosophy
Module #16 The Emergence of Modernity and the Challenges to Aristotelianism The growing criticism of Aristotelian thought and the rise of modern philosophical perspectives, including the ideas of Francis Bacon
Module #17 The Philosophy of René Descartes and the Origins of Modern Philosophy Descartess foundational ideas on knowledge, reality, and the nature of the self, and their impact on modern philosophy
Module #18 The Legacy of Renaissance Philosophy The enduring impact of Renaissance thought on modern Western philosophy, science, and culture
Module #19 Case Study:Leonardo da Vincis Philosophical Insights An in-depth examination of Leonardos artistic and scientific works, and their philosophical implications
Module #20 Case Study:Michelangelos Philosophy of Beauty and Creativity An analysis of Michelangelos art and writings, and their philosophical insights on beauty, creativity, and human nature
Module #21 Primary Sources:Reading Renaissance Philosophers A close reading and analysis of primary texts from Renaissance philosophers, including Machiavelli, Erasmus, and Bruno
Module #22 Renaissance Philosophy and Contemporary Issues The relevance of Renaissance philosophical ideas to contemporary debates and challenges, including ethics, politics, and science
Module #23 Renaissance Art and Architecture as Philosophy The philosophical symbolism and themes in Renaissance art and architecture, and their connection to philosophical ideas of the time
Module #24 The Renaissance and the Emergence of Modern Science The scientific discoveries and innovations of the Renaissance, and their impact on the development of modern science
Module #25 Course Wrap-Up & Conclusion Planning next steps in Renaissance Philosophy: Art, Science, and Religion career