Direction: For each part choose from the following:Assertion (A): Hum...
Humanists thought that they were restoring ‘true civilisation’ after centuries of darkness, for they believed that a ‘dark age’ had set in after the collapse of the Roman Empire. Following them, later scholars unquestioningly assumed that a ‘new age’ had begun in Europe from the fourteenth century. The term ‘Middle Ages’/‘medieval period’ was used for the millennium (thousand years) after the fall of Rome. In the ‘Middle Ages’, they argued, the Church had had such complete control over men’s minds that all the learning of the Greeks and Romans had been blotted out. The humanists used the word ‘modern’ for the period from the fifteenth century.
Direction: For each part choose from the following:Assertion (A): Hum...
Assertion (A): Humanists thought that they were restoring ‘true civilization’ after centuries of darkness.
Reason (R): They believed that a ‘dark age’ had set in after the collapse of the Roman Empire.
The correct answer is option 'A', which means that both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
Explanation:
Humanists, also known as Renaissance humanists, were scholars, writers, and intellectuals during the Renaissance period (14th to 17th century) in Europe. They sought to revive and emulate the intellectual and cultural achievements of classical antiquity, particularly that of ancient Greece and Rome. The assertion states that humanists thought they were restoring 'true civilization' after centuries of darkness, which implies that they believed they were bringing back the glory and intellectual pursuits of the past.
The reason provided is that humanists believed a 'dark age' had set in after the collapse of the Roman Empire. This refers to the period known as the Middle Ages or Medieval period, which followed the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century. During this time, Europe experienced political instability, economic decline, and a lack of intellectual and cultural progress compared to the classical civilizations of Greece and Rome. The reason suggests that humanists believed they were emerging from this dark age and working towards a restoration of civilization.
Supporting Evidence:
1. Humanists focused on the study of classical texts, such as those of Plato, Aristotle, and Cicero, which they considered to be the epitome of knowledge and wisdom. They believed that by studying and emulating these works, they could revive the intellectual achievements of the past and create a more enlightened society.
2. Humanists placed a strong emphasis on education and the liberal arts, including subjects like literature, history, philosophy, and rhetoric. They believed that a well-rounded education in these subjects would lead to the development of virtuous and knowledgeable individuals who could contribute to the betterment of society.
3. Humanists also advocated for the use of vernacular languages, such as Italian or English, in addition to Latin. This was a departure from the practice of using Latin as the exclusive language of the educated elite. By promoting the use of vernacular languages, humanists aimed to make knowledge and literature more accessible to a wider audience, thus spreading the benefits of civilization to a larger population.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the assertion that humanists believed they were restoring 'true civilization' after centuries of darkness is supported by the reason that they believed a 'dark age' had set in after the collapse of the Roman Empire. The humanists' focus on the revival of classical knowledge, emphasis on education, and promotion of vernacular languages all point to their belief in the restoration of a more enlightened and civilized society.