Question

humanism
which statement best summarizes renaissance humanism?
humanists took a religious and scholarly approach to understanding history.
humanists used a realistic and scientific approach to understanding the world.
humanists worked hard to expand the rights of women and minorities.
humanists thought that people should focus on just one subject.

Explanation:

To determine the best summary of Renaissance humanism, we analyze each option:

• The first option is incorrect because Renaissance humanism was more secular than religious in its approach to understanding the world (moving away from strict religious dogma and focusing on human potential and classical learning).
• The second option is correct. Renaissance humanism emphasized a realistic (looking at the world and human experience more practically) and scientific (encouraging inquiry, study of classical texts, and a more empirical approach to knowledge) approach to understanding the world. They studied classical literature, art, and philosophy, and sought to understand human nature and the world through reason and observation.
• The third option is incorrect. Expanding the rights of women and minorities was not a focus of Renaissance humanism; the movement was more centered on reviving classical learning and human potential in a more general sense, and it was largely a movement among educated men of the time.
• The fourth option is incorrect. Humanists encouraged a broad education in multiple subjects (the liberal arts) rather than focusing on just one subject.

Answer:

B. Humanists used a realistic and scientific approach to understanding the world.