What is the meaning of the term ԈumanistԠused during the Renaissance in 15th century Europe? 1. It refers to the masters who taught grammar and rhetoric 2. It refers to the masters who taught poetry, history and moral philosophy 3. It refers to the masters who taught subjects that were connected with religion 4. It refers to masters who emphasized skills that were developed through discussion and debate Select the correct answer using the code gi

By the early 15th century, the term 'humanist' was used to describe masters who taught a specific curriculum known as the 'studia humanitatis' [1]. This educational program included grammar, rhetoric, poetry, history, and moral philosophy [1]. These subjects were derived from the Latin word 'humanitas', meaning culture, and were intended to develop the individual's character and intellect through engagement with classical Greek and Roman literature [1]. Humanism emphasized skills developed through discussion, debate, and the art of rhetoric (graceful speaking and writing) rather than the university's scholastic method which focused on logic and metaphysics. Crucially, humanism represented a shift away from purely religious teaching, focusing instead on human culture and experience [1]. While many humanists remained religious, their educational focus was on secular classical texts rather than subjects solely connected with the divine [2]. Therefore, statements 1, 2, and 4 are correct, while statement 3 is incorrect.

Sources

1. [1] Themes in world history, History Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Changing Cultural Traditions > Universities and Humanism > p. 109
2. [2] Themes in world history, History Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Changing Cultural Traditions > Debates within Christianity > p. 117