Thinkers Develop New Ideas
Thinkers Develop New Ideas is a Grade 7 history skill from California myWorld Interactive, Chapter 8: The Renaissance and Reformation. Students learn how Renaissance thinkers developed humanism — celebrating human potential and achievement — along with secularism and individualism, shifting focus from purely religious concerns to worldly life.
Key Concepts
Renaissance thinkers looked to ancient Greece and Rome for inspiration. This sparked humanism , a movement that celebrated human potential and achievements. Instead of focusing only on religious life, people began to believe they could improve life on Earth.
This new outlook encouraged secularism , the idea that worldly life was valuable. It also promoted individualism , a belief in the importance and uniqueness of each person. These ideas changed how people saw themselves and the world around them.
Common Questions
What new ideas did Renaissance thinkers develop?
Renaissance thinkers developed humanism, which celebrated human potential and achievements. They also promoted secularism — valuing worldly life — and individualism — the belief in the importance of the individual person.
What is humanism?
Humanism is a Renaissance philosophy that celebrated human potential, achievement, and creativity. Inspired by ancient Greek and Roman thought, humanists believed people could improve life on Earth through reason and education.
What is secularism in the context of the Renaissance?
Secularism in the Renaissance refers to the growing belief that worldly life was valuable and worth studying, not just religious concerns. This encouraged art, literature, and science focused on human experience rather than only on God.
What chapter in myWorld Interactive Grade 7 covers Renaissance thinkers and new ideas?
Chapter 8: The Renaissance and Reformation in California myWorld Interactive Grade 7 covers how thinkers developed new ideas during the Renaissance.
How did ancient Greece and Rome inspire Renaissance thinkers?
Renaissance thinkers rediscovered ancient Greek and Roman texts and were inspired by classical achievements in art, literature, and government. This revival of ancient ideas fueled the Renaissance intellectual movement known as humanism.