Scholasticism of the Middle Ages concentrated on logic and theology but humanism of the
Renaissance concentrated on knowledge about the Classics and human experiences such
as language, literature, history, ethics, including natural science
• Renaissance movement spread gradually from Italy. At first it was to fulfill the needs of
merchants and the middle class i.e.
1. Italy was once the land of classical civilization, the Italians were familiar with
Greek-Roman creations. Classical artwork were appreciated as long lasting beauty,
simplistic, well proportioned, elegant, and harmonious.
2. The Italians by their personality trait were more secular and art-loving people.
3. Italy became the centre of trade both on land and sea, flourishing trade, cultural
contact with peoples from other civilisations, improved living condition after the
Crusade war, urban culture, growing numbers of middle class, economic stability
etc., enabled the people in the trading cities to engage in intellectual pursuit and
creativity.
• Humanism was reflected on the artwork and literary works but it also transformed other
aspects of life as well such as religion, politics and economics.