The 1300-1600 periods are a very important era in the world history since it witnessed a lot of changes and developments which have shaped the world like it. Various scholars made great contributions in the various fields such as education, art science, and religion. This period can be said to have formed a basis of the modern day thinkers. The discoveries of the time have been modified by modern scientists and thinkers to rhyme with modern needs. This essay will explore the major happenings that have for long been reference points
Learning in the medieval universities
Learning in medieval universities was different from what people are familiar with today with Latin being the primary language of instruction. These universities which developed in the thirteenth century admitted students aged from 13 to 16 years the trivium level where they studied rhetoric, Latin grammar and literature, and logic. These students would eventually finish their studies in a span of between four to seven years after which they would be awarded Bachelor of Arts degree or baccalaureate. Following the awarding of the baccalaureate, a student would continue with studies in a course known as quadrivium to study geometry, arithmetic astronomy, Greek philosophy, history, Hebrew and music (Cox, 2000). This then qualified a student to be awarded Masters of Arts Degree which would qualify him to teach at a university.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Economic Downturn of the 14th and 15th Centuries
Europe witnessed the Black Death , which was a devastating pandemic in 1347–1351 and which killed on average between one-third and two-thirds of total Europe's population. Moreover, other parts of Asia and the Middle East witnessed this same pandemic which qualified it as a global pandemic where at least 75 million people died. In addition, the Little Ice Age which begun before the turn of the fourteenth century and which caused many disastrous effects combined with Black Death. The results were famine, a war which disrupted the farming activities across the continents lowering productivity which pushed food prices to skyrocket and thus economic downturn (New World Encyclopaedia, 2008).
Humanist Philosophy and the Curriculum of Machiavelli, Pico Della Mirandola, and Vergerius
Humanist philosophy is the stress on the importance of human capacities, experiences achievements, and initiatives. Pico Della Mirandola (1463–1494 emphasized on the uniqueness of the human nature. According to Pico, there are three levels of existence below God, but none is assigned to humans since the human beings have the autonomy to choose where they want to belong to this chain of being as well as his destiny (Fieser, 2012). Niccolo Machiavelli a humanist claims that since the state is human creation it is supposed to be shaped and conquered for someone who desires power for its own sake and a person who is feared rather than adored since the ends justifies the means. Vergerius (1370-1444) who was a teacher at Bologna, Florence and Padua wrote a treatise in which medieval trivium and quadrivium are discussed. These studies according to Vergerius are worthy to be studied by a free man so as to attain wisdom and practice virtue (Halsall, 1996)
New focus on realism and perspective in the painting and sculpture of 14th and 15th century Europe described by Giorgio Vasari
The era between 14th and 15th century witnessed a new focus on realism in the art forms, painting and sculptures. Giorgio’s work the Virgin is an example of realism with vigor and life which is further enhanced by the use of brilliant colors. His works were never complete with the forthrightness and directresses put in it together with a dreamy reverie demonstrated in such works (Carrie, nd). In addition, Giorgio managed in highlighting the psychological uniqueness of hi sculptures and paintings.
Christian Humanism and the "Devotio Moderna."
Devotio Moderna was a movement which began in the late fourteenth century aimed at apostolic renewal of its follows through a rediscovery of obedience, humility, and simplicity in life. It spread to the Southern countries of Germany and ended with the Protestant Reformation. Christian humanism was aimed at restoring the classical civilization which would, in turn, bring about a revival of church’s spiritual life and institutional reform in the church. This Christian humanism existing before was not so spiritual and was more interested in whoring than in writing.
Exploration, Navigation and the entry of Europeans into the network of global trade
The Renaissance period witnessed an increase in exploration, navigation, and trade by the Europeans. Astrolabe and magnetic compass were very useful in helping sailors find their way in the sea. In addition, Portuguese map makers helped the Europeans in exploring and navigating as they traded with other nations (Anneberg Foundation nd). With an improving renaissance economy, demand for imported goods was rising, and with the new exploration and navigational tools, trade improved. The items of trade included precious gems, nutmeg, cinnamon, and peppercorns, silk among others.
Findings of the Scientific Revolution
The period of scientific revolution was occasioned with various discoveries with the key person being Galileo. He discovered that the Sun is the center of the earth and it does not move, but rather it is the earth that moves around the sun further; Galileo discovered the diurnal motion of the stars around the earth discoveries he taught his disciples which not augur well with the church leadership. In addition, Galileo discovered isochronism of the pendulum and the hydrostatic balance.
References
Anneberg Foundation. (n.d). Exploration and Trade . Retrieved from http://www.learner.org/interactives/renaissance/exploration.html.
Carrie. (n.d). Italian Renaissance Art . Retrieved from http://vlib.iue.it/carrie/texts/carrie_books/gilbert/07.html
Cox, N. (2000). Medieval Universities and Higher Learning Education. Academical Dress in New Zealand . Retrieved from http://www.academicapparel.com/caps/History-College-Education.html.
Fieser, J. (2012). Renaissance and Early Modern Philosophy. The History of Philosophy: A Short Survey . Retrieved from https://www.utm.edu/staff/jfieser/class/110/6-renaissance.htm.
Halsall, P. (1996). Medieval Sourcebook: Petrus Paulus Vergerius, the New Education (c. 1400) . Retrieved from: https://sourcebooks.fordham.edu/source/vergerius.html.
New World Encyclopaedia. (2008). Black Death . Retrieved from http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Black_Death.
Revolvy, LLC. (n.d). Devotio Moderna . Retrieved from: https://www.revolvy.com/topic/Devotio%20Moderna&item_type=topic.
Santillana, D. G. (1955). The Crime of Galileo. University of Chicago Press pp. 306-310 . Retrieved from:http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/galileo/condemnation.html.
